On December 8, 2010, Bishop David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay celebrated Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion WI, and declared the appearance of Mary to Sr. Adele Brise in this very spot in 1859 to be worthy of belief. My friend Mary Ann, a third order Carmelite, had been offered a seat , along with a guest, to attend the Mass, and she invited lucky (blessed) me 🙂 Neither of us knew that Bp Ricken was going to make the announcement that day – we just thought it would be a blessing to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the Shrine with the Bishop, which indeed it would be apart from anything else. To actually be there when the pronouncement was made was truly a blessing – I’m so grateful to Mary Ann for inviting me!
When Adele had asked the beautiful Lady who she was, Mary identified herself as the Queen of Heaven who prays for the conversion of sinners.
I had been to the Shrine a few times prior to the elevation of its status, but now Mary Ann and I both decided what a blessing it would be to volunteer there and be able to go more often, helping visitors on their pilgrimages. We’ve been doing that for the last few years, and it’s always a grace-filled experience. The Shrine is another oasis of peace, and Mary’s presence is sometimes tangible.
I’ve been blessed to make pilgrimages to Medjugorje, and to Our Lady of Guadalupe in LaCrosse, WI and in Mexico City. More and more I recognize this life as a perpetual pilgrimage to Heaven, with each day offering the opportunity to journey both inward and outward seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord. Mary’s help along the way is that of a beautiful companion and gentle mother.
As I’ve been able to make these pilgrimages, it’s become apparent that heaven is not far away, but rather more often encountered in unexpected familiar surroundings. Each day opens the possibility of meeting the Lord and receiving His blessing and grace – life has become an adventure filled with good surprises!
Lord God, thank You for all the times throughout history when You have appeared to simple people, often through Your Blessed Mother, bringing messages of hope and mercy. May we be open to receive these graces in our everyday duties and interactions with others ~
Spiritual Sun Pennies 