Guide to Winning Summer: Visit a Marian Shrine

The Grotto of Our Lady of Fatima at Holy Hill

The following is the second installment in the "Badger Catholic's Totally Excellent Guide to Winning Summer."

Obviously, Badger Catholics will want to incorporate their faith into their summer plans. And that's why it's awesome that Wisconsin has three Marian Shrines that represent some of the best the church has to offer. Each Shrine is unique and has its own flavor and spirituality, but all provide serious edification to those who love the faith.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Obviously, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a mainstay on the Badger Catholic, but it's worth repeating--this is a great place to take the family over the summer. La Crosse is one of the most beautiful areas of the state, and the Shrine will look fantastic in warm weather. Personally, I'd love to check out the conference on sacred art and architecture on July 19-20.

Holy Hill: Located in Hubertus, WI, Holy Hill has a great location for a day trip. It's easily accessible from Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and the Fox Valley. While you're there, check out the new Grotto of Our Lady of Fatima.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help: As is the case with a pilgrimage to La Crosse, you'll really enjoy the view on the way to rural Green Bay. The key date for visiting Our Lady of Good Help is August 15, as the Shrine celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption--"a tradition at the Shrine that was started by Sister Adele after the great fire of 1871."

Since all these sites are free, there's really no need to offer tips on how to enjoy your pilgrimage extravagantly or on a budget. But if you are looking to live it up, all of these areas provide great settings for a trip to a bed and breakfast. Drop the kids off with the in-laws ad make a weekend of it! If you're looking to control costs, brown bag your lunch and stay clear of the gift shops--all of which are excellent.

Other Pilgrimage Destinations: Wisconsin also offers a number of other great places to make a pilgrimage.

• The Miracle of Life Rosary Garden in Pine Bluff (just outside of Madison) is a wonderful place to visit. Plus, you'll really enjoy Mass with Fr. Rick Heilman at St. Mary's Parish.
• The Dickeyville Grotto in Southwestern Wisconsin is a great site from the 1920s. It's also only 40 minutes away from the Field of Dreams.
• The Basilica of St. Josaphat is probably the most beautiful sacred place in Wisconsin. Check out Matt's recap of his visit last spring for some fantastic pictures.

The Miracle of Life Rosary Garden in Pine Bluff, WI