The pandemic may have stopped many events from taking place this year, but the 88th annual Shower of Roses in New Columbus will go on as planned Sunday with some modifications.

The event, held at the Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux at 1 Garibaldi Ave., Nesquehoning, has been a tradition for the community for decades.

But when the pandemic struck, organizers needed to change their planning and have come up with a way that will allow people to enjoy all there is to offer during the day to celebrate St. Therese while remaining safe.

Shrine Director Sheree Strauss said, “It is especially important during this time of restrictions and fear that we can continue to find hope and peace in our faith and prayer.”

The Shower of Roses will include everything the community has loved over the years, from homemade ethnic delights to the crowning of the rose queen and the roses from heaven, which, for safety purposes this year, will be sold as people wait in their vehicles for their food.

“We will also make sure that people who purchase food get a special ‘shower’ from heaven and St. Therese,” the Rev. Allen Hoffa, pastor of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley and rector of the shrine, said.

The day will begin at noon with an outdoor Mass and crowning of the rose queen on the steps of the shrine. Those who would like to attend should bring lawn chairs and can sit in the park across the street from the shrine.

This year’s rose queen is Lauren Reaman, who will be crowned by her sister, Emily, who was the 2019 rose queen. Her court includes Megan Reaman, Bella Lasante, Ashlyn Klitsch, Maura Kelly, Rhiannon Brady, Elizabeth Snerr and Riley McGory.

Following the Mass, a drive-­thru style food sale will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Those wishing to purchase food will be directed onto Columbus Avenue and then travel up Padua Street and onto East Diaz Avenue. Orders will be taken at the New Columbus Fire Company and then pick up their food at Madonna Hall.

Hoffa said the food selection will include a variety of items people love at St. Joseph’s festival, as well as the ethnic goodies normally found at the Shower of Roses.

Food includes spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, Italian wedding soup, meatball sandwiches, sausage and peppers, halupki, chicken noodle soup, bleenies and more.

The day will end with exposition, adoration, the Rosary and benediction on the front steps of the shrine from 4 to 5 p.m.

One new thing at that Shower of Roses this year that Hoffa and the parishioners brought from St. Joseph’s summer drive-in festival will be “shower” prizes.

The “showers” will be raffles that include anywhere from a Troy-Bilt snowblower to prizes valued at $500. Tickets for the various raffles can be purchased at the Shower of Roses or ahead of time at St. Joseph Parish Office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through Friday.

Leading up to the event, three nights of devotions will take place at the shrine from 6 to 6:45 p.m.

Beginning Thursday, the St. Therese Novena will include exposition, adoration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Social distancing and masks are recommended.

For more information on the event, the raffles or to print out a menu to fill out for food ahead of time, visit www.stjscatholicchurch.org/shower_of_roses.