Celebrating Faith and Grapes at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help - Sept 8

Feast Day Mass for the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Sept. 8 to include blessing of grapes after Mass. Sept. 9 is Fatima Rosary Rally. pic.twitter.com/Dc2PqYcklf

— Champion Shrine (@ChampionShrine) September 7, 2017

(Champion, Wis.) – For centuries, pilgrims have come together at churches in countries around the world to celebrate the blessing of the grapes. As grapes have become more prominent in Northeast Wisconsin, an area with a strong connection between agriculture and faith, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help will have a ceremony for the blessing of the grapes.

The Feast Day Mass in Celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, with the Ceremonial Blessing of the Grape Harvest following the Mass.

“The Blessing of the Grape Harvest reminds us to be thankful for the people, the weather and everything else that makes the grape harvest possible,” said Fr. John Broussar, CPM, Rector at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help. “In many parts of Europe, particularly the wine-growing regions of France, there is a traditional harvest blessing of the grapes on the Feast Day of the Nativity of Mary. Since our area is near the 44th parallel – the prime growing area of grapes – we believe it is fitting to start this new local tradition.”

Vintners from Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery of Kewaunee and Door counties, Mona Rose Winery in Green Bay and other local world-class vintners and craft vintners will participate in this special Marian Feast Day celebration. Parallel 44 will hold its Harvest Festival the next day.

Meanwhile, Sept. 9 is Adele Brise Day at the Shrine which will hold the World Apostolate of Fatima’s Rosary Rally. Fr. Tony Cirignani will be the principal celebrant for the 11 a.m. Mass and will be the guest speaker for the Adele Brise Day program at 12:30 p.m. His presentation will be followed by a Rosary Procession with the Fatima statue.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help is located at 4047 Chapel Drive in Champion, centrally located between Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay and Algoma. It is open 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.ShrineOfOurLadyOfGoodHelp.com.