Our Lady of Good Help Pilgrimage 2015

The Second Annual Federal Association Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help and the National Shrine of St. Joseph (August 6-9) was attended by 61 Members of the Order, volunteers and  malades.

The pilgrimage began on Thursday, August 6, with Mass at the historic St. Francis Xavier Cathedral celebrated by Msgr. Edward J. Dillon, chaplain of the Order, and concelebrated by Fr. Peter Strycker, chaplain of the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, and Fr. Joseph Dorner, rector of the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier.  Deacon Harold Jopp, Deacon Michael Stankewicz – Federal Association executive director, and Deacon Jeff Trexler – American Association executive director, assisted at the Mass.

Friday morning was our first visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help.  The shrine was approved by the Church as a Marian apparition site on December 8, 2010.  It is the only Church-approved Marian apparition site in the United States.  Bishop David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay, was the main celebrant at Mass at the Shrine on Friday.

The Shrine of St. Joseph in Des Peres was our next visit.  This shrine is located at the Norbertine Abbey.  The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was celebrated by Fr. James Baraniak, prior of the Abbey, and Msgr. Dillon.

The two-plus days of the pilgrimage gave all who attended time for Mass, the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, Reconciliation, the Rosary, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and certainly time to visit and enjoy each other’s company. 

Don Hempson, KM, who attended the Pilgrimage writes, “Participants had a memorable and deeply meaningful experience – an experience that continues to inspire and stimulate contemplation.”

Msgr. Dillon has agreed to be the official chaplain of the pilgrimage.

Our pilgrimage next year will be August 4-6.  The American Association, which sent representatives this year, will be joining us next year.

Thanks to all those who traveled to Green Bay to attend the pilgrimage, and to all those who helped organize it: Kate Signorelli, Les and Taffy Hewitt, Collins Whitfield, Fra’ Tom Mulligan, and Wayne Ruth.