Tag: Our Lady of Champion

69) Eucharistic Revival

     When I first heard of the Eucharistic Revival, and the pilgrimages planned across the country, I wanted to be a part of that!  My faith journey has led me to a deeper appreciation and awareness of Jesus truly present in the Eucharist, so the idea of walking with Him across the whole USA, with thousands of people participating, brought joy to my heart 🙂

     When I heard the procession would be passing through the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, I knew that was the place I wanted to join in.  Having been a volunteer there when it was first declared worthy of belief in 2010, and watching as it’s status continued to grow, it was dear to my heart.  Driving there through the farmlands, with little or no traffic, and arriving at this place of peace was always a highlight and blessing!  I was already planning a trip to WI for my great-niece’s graduation party, so the timing was perfect! 

  

  There would be thousands of people arriving, so an early arrival for me made good sense.  The actual program would start at 1:00; I came at 9:00 and was able to get a prime parking spot :), and just spend quiet time on the grounds and in the crypt, the actual site of Mary’s appearance in 1859 to Adele Brice.  Lighting a few of the hundreds of candles flickering in the quiet and dimly lit room, I sat in silence and brought to Mary the many intentions on my heart, knowing that she received them and with her tender mercy placed them in the Heart of Jesus.  I had come alone, and was blessed to join good friends and share this special day with them!  

 

Throughout the talks offered on the pilgrimage route, the Reality of Christ present in the Eucharist, and present within each Christian believer, resonated again and again.  We were reminded of Mary as the first Eucharistic processor, carrying Jesus in her womb as she traveled to meet Elizabeth, and that indeed we too carried Him wherever we went.  God entered the human world to dwell within us, to be One with us, and to bring His presence with us wherever we go – to bring His Light and Love to this fearful and hurting world as agents of His Mercy.

     The scene that repeated itself for me was a recent visit to an arts fair.  The streets were jam packed and narrow between the multiple exhibit booths; we could only walk slowly and it was really difficult for me to actually appreciate the many offerings.  I was tired, and counting the steps til we could get back to the car and away from the crowds.  Then it occurred to me; I was carrying Christ!  I was one of His living tabernacles processing among the multitudes, but they didn’t know it.  It brought renewed energy to me though, and put a smile on my face that often was received and returned by the many souls traveling with me.  Every Christian is part of a procession carrying Jesus, even when there’s no canopy or incense, no vestments or external trappings.  The Procession at the Shrine has magnified that for me, and I thank the Lord for the incredible privilege of being His dwelling place wherever He leads me…

Lord God, thank You For putting the Eucharistic Revival on the hearts of Your people!  Thank You for the pilgrimages crossing our country and awakening Hope in the lives of those who participate, and who witness this amazing journey!  Thank you that you’ve called and chosen me, one of your littlest children, to be a small part of something so very big and wonderful!  I pray that I may be ever mindful that I am carrying Jesus, everywhere I go…

50) the Coronation: Mary, Queen of Heaven

Fifth Glorious Mystery – Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven

     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.  I was able to do that for several years before moving out of state, and it was always a grace-filled experience.  The Shrine is another oasis of peace, and Mary’s presence is often tangible.  In October, the anniversary of the apparition, the Shrine will be celebrated as Our Lady of Champion, taking the name of its location, even as Our lady of Lourdes and other well revered apparition sites have become known.

     

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 ~

(re-visit from Rosary Reflections – Glorious Mysteries)