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Dedication Day The Sixth Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint Juan Diego The morning started with a 40% chance of rain in the afternoon. But during the morning book and DVD signing times with EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo and Edwardo Verastegui, star of the recently released movie Bella, there was a severe thunderstorm “watch” posted until noon. Broadcasters moved electronic equipment to safer areas, our wonderful volunteers scrambled to move the ticket and information tables inside the Pilgrim Center, and we braced for the storm. Happily, (some might say miraculously) the storm system split into two pieces, above and below us. While other areas received substantial rainfall, the Shrine grounds were not seriously affected, and the planned procession to the Shrine Church commenced on time and under a clearing sky. At one p.m., Michael Swinghamer and Duncan Stroik, the architects of the Shrine Church, ceremonially delivered the plans for the Church into the hands of Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, Founder of the Shrine and Chairman of the Shrine Board of Directors. The Archbishop then handed the keys of the Church to Father Peter Fehlner, Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate, and now Rector of the new Church. The procession into the Church began. What a majestic sight – the choir, under the direction of Dr. Brian Luckner, formed in the side aisles and provided beautiful chant as a backdrop to the main procession. Candle bearers, altar servers, and seminarians accompanied Archbishop Raymond L. Burke and over twenty other concelebrating Archbishops and Bishops. Justin Cardinal Rigali (Philadelphia) and Francis Cardinal George (Chicago) attended as well. Following them, over one hundred (100) priests, sixty (60) Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre and over 800 faithful made their way to seats on the main floor of the church and to the crypt, where EWTN provided a full screen to view the Dedication Mass. Of special note was the service rendered by the Honor Guard of the Knights of Columbus. For months, the local chapter of the K/C had been planning their participation. Over twenty-five (25) K/C members from several different Assemblies throughout Wisconsin and other neighboring states, provided the Honor Guard and beautiful color for the procession. Knights of many and varied ranks were represented. Also in the procession were two relic biers. One was decorated in the color “red” for Blessed Father Miguel Pro, S.J. who was martyred in Mexico in the early part of the 20th Century. The other was decorated in “white” and contained the relics of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. Priests proudly carried the relic biers into the Church. Both relics were placed permanently into the altar during the Dedication Mass. Children are a special part of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Members of the Saint Juan Diego Guild for children proudly processed behind their new Guild banner. The children wore smock aprons with the image of Saint Juan Diego imprinted on the front. The Guild, which fosters an imitation of the virtues shown by Juan Diego throughout his life, was established in December, 2005 and has exceeded 1,000 members. In addition, members of the Marian Catechist Apostolate, founded by the late Father John A. Hardon, S.J., also processed behind their Apostolate banner. Members of the Apostolate came from several states across the nation to participate in this Holy Mass and also to participate in the Mass of Consecration for catechists which was scheduled for Saturday of Dedication Week. The dedication of a church is a liturgy rich in tradition and symbolism. One of the key elements is the anointing of the altar and walls of the church with sacred oil. Also, special candles are placed in holders on the wall to be lit again on church anniversaries. The whole dedication, including the placing of the relics of the Blesseds into the altar, is at the same time a solemn and joyous occasion. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Archbishop indicated that Cardinal Norberto Rivera of Mexico sent his regrets at not being able to attend this solemn ceremony but, on behalf of the Cardinal and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, the Archbishop showed a large rock from the hill of Teyeyac, the site of Our Lady’s apparition to (Saint) Juan Diego, which was a gift to our Shrine from theirs. It was placed on the transept shrine beside the carrara marble statue of Saint Juan Diego. The dedication was finished – we had a Church! Later that evening, the newly dedicated Church was the site for solemn Evening Vespers and once again, the church was filled to capacity. In particular, families of those involved in the construction of the Church were invited to attend the Vesper service and then join Archbishop Burke for a reception of appreciation for all of the talents and hard work contributed by artists and artisans from so many trade specialties.
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