Bishop Ricken leads 68 pilgrims on visit to three Wisconsin Marian shrines

The Compass sponsored a Year of Faith pilgrimage to Wisconsin's three approved Marian shrines July 17-19. Bishop David Ricken led the group of 68 pilgrims on a three-day spiritual excursion to the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, in Hubertus; the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse; and the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion.

The group departed early morning July 17 on two Lamers motor coaches. Their first stop was Hubertus, in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, home of the state's most visited Marian shrine known simply as "Holy Hill."

During the bus ride to Hubertus, pilgrims recited the rosary and watched a video on the history of the basilica. They learned that more than 500,000 people from around the world visit the national shrine every year and that it was elevated to the status of minor basilica in 2006. The shrine sits on 435 acres of land, high atop a hill in Washington County. Its twin spires can be seen for miles in the rural countryside.

Mass at Holy Hill

Upon arrival, pilgrims made their way up to the recently remodeled upper church for Mass. Bishop Ricken was celebrant and homilist. He was joined by Carmelite Fr. Don Brick, shrine rector, and Carmelite Fr. Cyril Guise, shrine minister. In his homily, Bishop Ricken welcomed all pilgrims on their shared journey of faith.

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