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Friday offered priests and pilgrims a first chance to celebrate Mass in the newly dedicated church, but it was also a day that offered a special treat to both seminarians and priests: a Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving concelebrated by Archbishop Raymond L. Burke and Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR. This wonderful Mass included a special homily by Father Benedict and was followed by a private breakfast in the crypt of the church where seminarians and priests were able to spend more time with this well known author and commentator. The balance of the day was filled with Masses and Holy Hours. Several pilgrimage groups arrived to be among the first to experience Mass in the new Church. After a much appreciated book signing by Fr. Benedict, the Pilgrim Center closed at 4:00 p.m. to allow time for a special dinner with Archbishop Burke and our special guest – Father Benedict. At 7:00 p.m., Father Benedict gave the first public conference to be held in the new church. Once again, there was near capacity attendance and we were treated to a conference and question/answer session that lasted well over one hour but will remain much longer in our memories of Dedication Week.
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