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Dear Friends: It is with great joy that we now share the many events that have been planned for Dedication Week: July 28 – August 3, 2008. The dedication of the Shrine Church – the heart of the Shrine - will be a moment to be remembered for a very long time. We have invited members of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church to participate in the Dedication Mass and we anticipate that many priests from the local area as well as near-by states will concelebrate this special liturgy. EWTN will televise the Dedication Mass LIVE on Thursday, July 31, 2008. Raymond Arroyo of EWTN has agreed to anchor the telecast and make himself available for book signing at the Shrine. Drew Mariani, host of the Drew Mariani show on Relevant Radio, will broadcast his show LIVE from the Shrine on Wednesday and Thursday. Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR, noted author and television host, will also be in attendance and has agreed to stay an extra day to give a conference in the new church. Ms. Ann Ball, author of the biography on Father Miguel Agustin Pro, whose relics will be placed in the altar, will be here to talk about his fascinating life. Monsignor Paul Lenz, Vice Postulator for the cause of canonization for Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, whose relics will also be placed in the altar, will be the main speaker at a breakfast gathering and a new bronze sculpture of Blessed Kateri will adorn the newest devotional area along the meditation trail. A whole day is planned for children that includes games and a children’s Holy Hour with frequent EWTN host and well-known speaker, Father Antoine Thomas of the Congregation of St. John. And Eduardo Verastegui, star of the recently released movie Bella, will be here to meet and greet pilgrims. Many events are simply open to the public; some require a ticket reservation. Look at the many events and then use the form to indicate which events are of most interest to you and your family. We do not promise to accommodate all requests, as space is limited; however, we do promise to try our best to include you in our week-long celebration. For those who would like to consider shorter visits, we have designed a flyer of one-day-pilgrimages . Overnight pilgrimages can also be arranged by calling the Shrine. All seating is capacity controlled. If you would like to schedule a pilgrimage for a group of 25-50, we suggest you contact the Shrine staff as soon as possible. Come to La Crosse and share the joy! Sister Christa Marie, FSGM * Executive Director |
