Fall 2012: SJW Pilgrimage to Wisconsin

This past June, the Sisters made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Green Bay, WI, with a few side-trips on the way. Bright and early on June 26th, the Sisters departed from the Motherhouse, planning to drive about halfway to Green Bay. After a drive of nearly 9 hours, we stopped and spent the night with the Schoenstatt Sisters at their convent in Madison, WI. The Sisters graciously opened their retreat house to us, and put us up for the night.

Following Mass the next morning, we departed from Madison and made our way to La Crosse, WI, to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Located on top of a hill in rural La Crosse, the Shrine was built by Leo Cardinal Burke when he was Bishop of La Crosse. We spent the afternoon there, admiring the beautiful architecture of the Shrine and the lovely grounds surrounding it. After participating in evening prayer and benediction, we made our way back to the city of La Crosse. There, we were welcomed by the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George at Mater Redemptoris House of Formation. After serving us a delicious dinner, the Sisters treated us to a movie on the projector screen in their basement. A wonderful time was had by all.

In the morning, we made our way to the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in downtown La Crosse for Mass and adoration. After that, we were back on the road again, this time "Green Bay or Bust!" Arriving in Green Bay, we checked into our hotel and then went to the Shrine of St. Joseph at the Norbertine Abbey in De Pere for evening prayer. After supper, we all went back to the hotel to rest.

The next day was spent at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help. After Mass, we had time to enjoy the Shrine and surrounding grounds. At 2:00, we were met at the Shrine by Bishop David Ricken. Bishop was Sr. Mary Faustina’s pastor in Pueblo, CO, before being made bishop of Cheyenne, WY and then of Green Bay, WI. Bishop Ricken suggested that we stop at the Carmelite Monastery in nearby Denmark, WI. We drove out to the monastery and prayed evening prayer in the public side of the Sisters' chapel.

Bishop Ricken had invited us to his house for Mass and breakfast the next morning. After Mass, Bishop's sister prepared a hearty breakfast for us, and we enjoyed a lovely visit before departing for home. We weren't sure if we would be able to make it in one day, but we did. Nine hours later, we arrived back in Walton, and in one piece, too! Praise be to God for a memorable pilgrimage and safe travels!