The Advent pilgrimage group from the Diocese of Owensboro, which visited Branson, Miss., in December, smile for a group photo. COURTESY OF MARIANNA ROMERO
Pilgrims find Christ in Branson’s Advent journey
Diocesan travelers discover faith, fellowship, and renewal through Ozarks pilgrimage
BY MARIANNA ROMERO, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
Twenty‑nine pilgrims from the Diocese of Owensboro traveled to Branson, Miss., Dec. 4-7 for an Advent pilgrimage of prayer, reflection, and fellowship.
Led by Fr. Carl McCarthy, pastor of Precious Blood Parish in Owensboro, the journey offered time to pause, prepare for Christ’s coming, and strengthen faith together.
The itinerary blended prayer with uplifting entertainment highlighting faith and family. Pilgrims attended Branson’s renowned musical shows, including “David” at Sight & Sound Theatre and performances by local family ensembles. The group also toured the College of the Ozarks and enjoyed a cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle.
A moving moment came at the Uptown Café when a performer invited the pilgrims to sing “How Great Thou Art.” The restaurant fell quiet as their voices joined in heartfelt praise.
For veteran Sgt. Rex A. Voorhies of St. Augustine Parish in Clarkson, Tenn., the experience held deep meaning.
“I was surprised by the people we met in Branson and the welcome they gave to veterans. Young and old all shook our hands and thanked us. A young lady even paid for our snack! The entertainers had us stand and be recognized. It really makes all the sacrifices we made well worth it,” he said.
Phyllis Barker of Rosary Chapel in Paducah said the trip renewed her spirit: “I really enjoyed this trip and hope more journeys like this can be planned. I believe I am better prepared for Christ’s coming because of this gathering of the faithful.”
Anne Alexander of Precious Blood Parish in Owensboro called her decision to join an act of faith: “I felt a tug that would not go away. I prayed and decided the Lord was leading me to go back to Branson, even though I had gone the month before. His spirit was felt by everyone on this trip! It was an awakening and a deepening of my faith beyond anything I have ever experienced.”
Arsha Battah from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Hopkinsville added, “Faith in Travel, under the leadership of RoseMary Trowbridge, organized the trip in association with the diocese and the spiritual direction of Fr. Carl McCarthy. The planning was done with care and thoughtfulness. We had a wonderful, faith‑filled experience full of joy, fellowship, and prayer preparing us for the coming of our Lord.”
The pilgrimage concluded with Sunday Mass at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, where Fr. Carl presided – an uplifting close to a meaningful journey. The diocese and Faith in Travel look forward to offering more pilgrimages that inspire faith and fellowship.
To learn more about pilgrimages like this, call (270) 683-1545.
Mary Helen Nash, a parishioner of St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro, smiles for a photo with Fr. Carl McCarthy, pastor of Precious Blood Parish in Owensboro, during the Advent pilgrimage to Branson. COURTESY OF MARIANNA ROMERO
Originally printed in the January 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
