The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest united with thousands of pilgrims from around the world in praying for the restoration of Christendom during the annual Pentecost pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians in Wisconsin on May 23. These pilgrims formed a “Guardian Angel” group, participating in all the spiritual blessings of the great Chartres Pilgrimage taking place at the same time in France.

 

More than 750 pilgrims gathered with Institute canons, oblates, and Sister Adorers at the trailhead early in the morning. Then, buoyed by Canon Benoît Jayr’s opening prayer and words of encouragement, they began their 4.5-mile walk through the fields, hills, and woods of Wisconsin.

 

Their walk was blessed with sparkling clear skies, while the dappled shadows of the thickets offered welcome shade from the bright sunshine. With banners flying and rosaries in hand, they processed with prayer, song, and enthusiastic joy.

 

 

 

Upon reaching the base of Holy Hill and after a brief rest stop, the pilgrims completed the final leg of the journey: the rosary walk up the hill to the beautifully restored basilica, where they entered in grand procession.The glorious Solemn High Mass of the Vigil of Pentecost was then offered by Canon Matthew Talarico, provincial superior, together with Canon Aaron Huberfeld, vice superior, and Canon Gerald Bell of St. Mary Oratory.

 

The sublime music of the choir of St. Stanislaus Oratory, directed by Fabian Qamar, further enhanced the magnificent liturgy.As in Chartres, after Mass the pilgrims processed to the altar rails to venerate a priceless relic of the Veil of the Blessed Mother, displayed near a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima statue.

 

 

Afterward, all enjoyed a hearty picnic lunch in the sprawling fields at the foot of Holy Hill.The Institute thanks to all who planned and participated in this wonderful event, especially the Holy Name Society of St. Stanislaus, and also expresses its sincere gratitude to the Archbishop of Milwaukee, as well as to the clergy and staff of the Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, for their gracious permission and support in hosting this Mass in the basilica church.