Many hundreds of faithful and friends of the Institute participated in a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians at the Basilica popularly known as "Holy Hill" near Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday, May 23.
Large chapters of faithful from St. Stanislaus Oratory in Milwaukee, from St. Patrick’s Oratory in Green Bay, from St. Mary's Oratory in Wausau, from St. Mary Oratory in Rockford, and from the Shrine of Christ the King in Chicago all converged on Holy Hill in thanksgiving to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the many graces received by the Institute.
The large crowd of pilgrims walked in procession through the woods and up the hill praying the Rosary and singing Marian hymns. Inside the crowded Basilica the Solemn High Mass for the Vigil of Pentecost was celebrated by the Substitute of the Provincial, Canon Matthew Talarico. The Gregorian Chant propers was sung by St. Stanislaus Oratory Schola. St. Mary’s Wausau choir sang the polyphonic Mass setting for 8 voices, Missa Bell'Amfitrit Altera by Orlando di Lassus (1530-1594).
After the outdoor picnic lunch which followed Holy Mass, the faithful gathered for Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament offered by Canon Benoit Jayr, Rector of St. Stanislaus Oratory in Milwaukee. The Consecration of the Institute to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was also fervently renewed by the numerous good souls present. A wonderful manifestation of the family spirit of the Institute, this pilgrimage expressed the power of charity to unite the faithful in the sacred Liturgy of Holy Mother Church.