Come be immersed in the Healing Love of Our Savior as Our Blessed Mother continues to bring Him to us.

Registration, Breakfast, & Confession begin at 7:30 AM. Join us in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Joseph Strickland; the Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet; religious store; lunch; & more! Speakers include:

• Bishop Joseph Strickland – Bishop Emeritus Diocese of Tyler, TX Celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

• Sr. Faustina Maria – Children of Mary

• Geralyn Ballow – Steward of a Holy Face of Jesus Relic

Sign Up by clicking the link below or calling (724) 538-3171

Discounted Room Rates at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Butler/Centre City

$169.00 USD per night from Friday, July 31, 2026 to Sunday, August 02, 2026

Last Day to Book : Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Keynote Speaker - Bishop Joseph Strickland

Bishop Emeritus Diocese of Tyler, TX

Bishop Joseph Edward Strickland, founder of Pillars of Faith, is a successor of the Apostles whose life and ministry are marked by a profound fidelity to Jesus Christ. Grounded in prayer, devoted to the Holy Eucharist and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and committed to the salvation of souls, Bishop Joseph E. Strickland has served the Church for over four decades as a priest, pastor, teacher, and bishop. Now Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Tyler, he continues his apostolic mission with an even larger flock – shepherding souls across the nation and beyond with truth, courage, and unwavering fidelity to Christ. Founder of PillarsofFaith.net.

Sister Faustina Maria

Children of Mary of Cincinnati, OH

Sr. Faustina Maria is a founding member of the Sisters of Children of Mary. Sister was born in Reno NV, and raised in northern California until she was 14 when she moved to the border of Arkansas and Missouri. Not raised in any religion, she came into the Church of her own free will at the age of 12 when her mother returned to the Sacraments. She began to pray the daily rosary at 17 and it was Our Blessed Mother who gave her a deep thirst for God. At 20 years old she entered the Children of Mary on November 7th 2012. She currently works in a women’s prison ministry teaching RCIA and travels the country helping to lead retreats, Holy Hours, Missions etc. She also helps form the younger sisters in the charism—to love and spread love for Our Eucharistic Lord.

Geralyn Ballow

Vancouver, WA

Geralyn Ballo is a retired nurse and a cradle Catholic raised in the Pittsburgh area, where she attended the University of Pittsburgh for Nursing. After graduation she moved to San Diego (because she spent her summers in Ocean City, MD in college), and wanted to live by a beach when she graduated. She met her husband, Mike, in San Diego, who was in the Navy at the time. Tom and Mary Rutkowski came to their wedding in PA. Eventually, Geralyn and Mike got to live over in Italy as Mike worked with NATO. After the military, they settled in Washington State where Mike became a commercial pilot for FedEx. They have two daughters and two grandchildren. Geralyn has taught faith formation and was/is a lector at the various parishes she attended. Through a series of unusual circumstances (God inspired), they became the stewards of a Holy Face of Jesus Relic. It is dated from the Vatican 1876 and has touched the Veil of Veronica, the True Cross, and the Spear of Longinus. Since receiving the relic in September 2024, she feels called in a big way to go and spread the Holy Face Devotion.

Schedule - Gospa Missions Retreat: August 1, 2026

Location: Highfield Community Center - 229 Highfield Rd. Butler, PA 16001

(Opportunities for Reconciliation: 7:30am–9:45am; 11:00am-12:00pm; and as announced)

7:30 am: Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Confessions

8:15 am: Welcome – Chris Reynolds

8:30 am: Speaker - Geralyn Ballow - Archconfraternity of the Holy Face of Jesus

9:15 am: First Saturday Devotions and Rosary – Led by Bishop Strickland – Bishop Emeritus Diocese of Tyler Texas

9:50 am: Store Closed to prepare for Holy Mass and reopen after Mass

10:00 am: Holy Sacrifice of the Mass - Main Celebrant: Bishop Joseph Strickland

11:00 am: Sr. Faustina Maria

12:00 pm: Angelus / Lunch

1:15 pm: Collection & Abode for Children – Chris Reynolds, President

1:30 pm: Speaker – Bishop Strickland - Bishop Emeritus Diocese of Tyler Texas

2:30 pm: Break

3:00 pm: Chaplet of Divine Mercy – Led by Fr. Nicholas Argentieri

3:30 pm: Closing and Final Blessing