On Saturday, May 27, in the cheery sun and light winds, over 400 pilgrims from near and far took part in a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady, Help of Christians at Holy Hill, Wisconsin. While already a large crowd, these pilgrims were joined spiritually with the record-breaking 16,000 pilgrims who walked to the Marian shrine at Chartres, France. 

 

 

In special attendance that day were Monsignor Gilles Wach, Prior General of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, as well as Canon Matthew Talarico, Provincial Superior of the United States.

 

 

Upon arrival at the Basilica, Monsignor Wach preached about the spiritual significance of this pilgrimage and its relation to the feast of Pentecost. He then presided at a solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, invoking Christ's blessings upon the pilgrims assembled there. 

 

A festive luncheon followed outside the basilica, featuring the hard work of many volunteers who made it possible to feed so many hungry pilgrims.

 

 

 

The heart of this day's pilgrimage was abandonment to the Virgin Mary, who in turn, leads us to Christ. Our Lady, Help of Christians, pray for us!