Lost child Pilgrimage
Come to Mary’s House… A pilgrimage for All That Hold a Child Who Has Died
Saturday, October 17th, 2026 9am—3pm, registration starts at 8:15 am
The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, Chicago
A ecumenical pilgrimage for parents whose child has died.
For all who have mourned the death of an infant, grieved the loss of a child, despaired over the death of an adolescent, lamented the predeceasing of an adult child.
The loss of a child, at any age, in any circumstance is an unspeakable grief. It leaves a silence where love once lived, a sorrow without easy answers. Yet even in this darkness, God is present—quietly dwelling in the absence, the mystery, and the pain. There may be no explanation, but there is still God.
This mystery calls us to stand with one another in suffering, offering from our own wounds, holding together lament and hope, sorrow and faith.
At the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, we offer Mary’s House: a place of prayer, healing, comfort, and hope. We walk with those who grieve, remembering that Mary herself knew both deep joy and profound sorrow—from Bethlehem to Calvary.
Here, you are not alone. Enter this sacred space and may the peace of Christ be with you always, gently holding you in love and hope.
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Therefore, console one another with these words. 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-14, 18. (NABRE)
Schedule of the Day
8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Welcome and Introductory Remarks
9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Liturgy of Lamentation Presider: Rev. Richard Fragomeni, Ph.D., Rector
Please bring a picture of your child.
10:00 a.m. Keynote Address Lamentation and Hope:
A Journey of Grief and Grace with Q&A Discussion Rev. Dr. Damien Davis and Kathleen Casey
11:15 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions
12:30 p.m. Delicious Lunch on Premises
2:00 p.m. Closing Prayer Liturgy Presider: Rev. Richard Fragomeni, Ph.D., Rector
Keynote Speakers….
Kathleen Casey
Kathleen Casey lost her son, Barrett “Bear” Krupa, following a five and a half year battle with Wilms tumor. After Bear’s death, Kathleen founded Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation that was an expression of Bear’s love for the kids he met in the hospital. Kathleen led the organization for 34 years. Her many honors include Chicago Magazine’s Chicagoan of the Year, Glamour’s Women at Their Best, and recognition as one of 100 Women Making a Difference in Chicago by Today’s Chicago Woman. Although recently retired, she remains passionate about supporting children with cancer and their families.
Rev. Dr. Damien Davis
Rev. Dr. Damien Davis is the father of Brooklyn, who died in 2024 of a rare brain tumor. For the last year and a half he has dedicated his life to walking with families through bereavement work; he now lives out as a chaplain at a children’s hospital. He is a published author with Wipf & Stock whose works include Sacred Rage: Love That Didn’t Die With Them. He comes to this gathering first as a dad — still carrying Brooklyn with him, still moving forward because of her.
Breakout Sessions
Breakout One: Prenatal, Infant, Child Loss
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Damien Davis
is the father of Brooklyn, who died in 2024 of a rare brain tumor. For the last year and a half he has dedicated his life to walking with families through bereavement, work he now lives out as a chaplain at a children’s hospital. He comes to this gathering first as a dad – still carrying Brooklyn with him, still moving forward because of her.
Breakout Two: Adolescent Loss
Presenter: Jim Manzardo
Jim has worked for the last 30 years as a Spiritual Care Provider, or Chaplain, at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, accompanying and supporting patients, their families and staff through illness, healing, dying, death and bereavement. For the past three years, he has also been a counselor at the Center for Grief Recovery and Therapeutic Services in Chicago.
Breakout Three: Adult Loss
Presenter: Julie Berggren, MA
Julie is a Chaplain at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Associate of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, spiritual director, and retreat leader. She enjoys weaving Franciscan and lgnatian spirituality in life and work.
Registration:
Location: Shrine Church & Hall 1224 W. Lexington St., Chicago, IL 60607 –– seating is limited!
Preregistration is required for attendance at a Breakout Session.
Check-in begins at 8.15 a.m.
Registration deadline is October 4th.
Registration Donation: $40.
Day of event walk-ins welcome, based on availability.
A limited number of scholarships available for those in need.
Please indicate on your registration the age of your child so we can place you in a breakout group.
Any other information you would like to share is welcome.
Parking: On-street Courtesy Parking is available.
Information: Krysten McOsker, Pilgrimage Director
kmcosker@ourladyofpompeii.org
.