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Labor Day traditions at St. Mary of Sorrows in Fairfax

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Members of the St. Mary of Sorrows Knights of Columbus Council 8600 in Fairfax grill some of the 800 chickens served at the Labor Day Picnic Sept. 2. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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A member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians places a wreath at a memorial commemorating the early history of St. Mary of Sorrows Parish. The church served as a makeshift hospital and shelter after the Second Battle of Manassas and the engagement near Chantilly Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 1862. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Fr. Francis J. Peffley, parochial vicar of St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax, wows the crowd with his more than 30 years of juggling experience, alternately tossing various objects in the air including a machete, a basketball, a tennis racket and more. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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A Clara Barton re-enactor gives a living history talk inside the very church where Clara Barton tended to the wounded and dying soldiers 157 years ago. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Members of the Victorian Dance Ensemble of the Civil War Dance Foundation perform several dances popular in the mid-1800s. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Fr. James S. Barkett, pastor of St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax, blesses the tools of attendees in recognition of Labor Day. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Booths set up at the “Country Store” offer religious items, baked goods, jewelry, plants and holiday items. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Jewelry is for sale at a booth at the “Country Store.” JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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A Labor Day Picnic, hosted by St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax Sept. 2, featured a barbeque and a blessing of the tools. The event also commemorated the historic church’s past including its role as a makeshift hospital during the Civil War, where Clara Barton tended to the wounded 157 years ago.

Buy photos from the picnic at catholicherald.smugmug.com.

 

© Arlington Catholic Herald 2019