This Fall Break, I traveled with two of my brother seminarians to La Crosse, Wisconsin to make a pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine. The shrine’s mission statement states that the shrine is “a place of ceaseless prayer for the corporal and spiritual welfare of God’s children, especially those in most need.” Located in the bluff country not far from the Mississippi River, the scenery along the trail to the Church calls our minds to the beauty of God’s creation which prepared our hearts to visit with Him in the Most Blessed Sacrament in the shrine church. The interior of the church is filled with beautiful pieces of art dedicated to saints such as St. Faustina, St. Maria Goretti, St. Therese of Lisieux, Blessed Miguel Pro, St. Gianna Beretta Molla, and St. Peregrine. These holy images draw the mind to meditate upon the life of the particular saint and their love for God. It is inspiring to see such captivating images that place a desire for holiness and sanctity on the heart. The greatest image of all is that of our Queen, the Blessed Mother. Behind the massive marble baldachin (canopy) hangs a mosaic rendering of the Tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This image is an incredible piece of art that fittingly moves the heart to honor our Blessed Mother.
Mary has been such a great intercessor and a perfect exemplar for me before seminary and even more now in seminary. She has never ceased to move my heart closer to her son, Jesus. To see and meditate upon that beautiful image of our Lady in the shrine church was an amazing experience. Praying at the shrine was very fruitful. Surrounded by the beauty of holy art and the faithful making their own pilgrimage helped me to pray and meditate upon God’s love for us. The greatest experience that we had during our time spent there was having a private Mass with three religious sisters who are at the shrine. Seeing the purity of their love and devotion to Jesus Christ and knowing that these holy sisters are praying for me, gave me inspiration to pursue the life of prayer and holiness with a greater ardor. Please pray for me and know of my prayers for you.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!