Breaking Ground on the Pilgrim House
The pilgrims who journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, often from far beyond Wisconsin, are currently estimated at over 100,000 a year. Many have expressed a wish to stay on the Shrine grounds, rather than at a hotel in La Crosse or another town. Having their whole pilgrimage within the Shrine would help them experience more fully the benefits of “coming away” on retreat, to spend time with Our Lord in a sacred place.
Pilgrim House
For this purpose the Saint Juan Diego Pilgrim House was conceived and developed. Here, pilgrims will be able to stay right beside the Shrine Church. Incorporated into the building will also be a chapel and a convent for religious sisters, who will care for the guests and pray for them and for the Shrine’s mission. In addition, a dining hall and conference rooms will provide a setting for events currently being held in the crypt of the Shrine Church.
Officially Breaking Ground
After extensive praying, planning, and fundraising, the groundbreaking for the Pilgrim House took place on Monday, October 7, the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. The atmosphere was one of deep joy and gratitude, as those who had worked so long to bring about the occasion pondered the blessings they had received and their hopes for the future.
Perseverance and Generosity
“I have to confess to you that in my weaker moments I thought this day would never come,” Cardinal Burke admitted. “Really since the time of the dedication of the church, we’ve been working on this. There have just been many challenges and some very difficult times.” His Eminence went on to name many whose perseverance and generosity had helped overcome those obstacles, including the Shrine staff and Board of Directors, volunteers, benefactors, and the Norbertine Fathers. He also acknowledged the support and presence of Bishop Gerard Battersby, of the Diocese of La Crosse.
Moving Forward in Faith
Of course, the most important hand in the Shrine’s construction is the providential hand of God, working in and through all human endeavors. As Cardinal Burke stated in his opening prayer, “In all things we must seek the help of God, so that in complete reliance on His will, we may do everything for His glory and for the salvation of many souls.” The new Executive Director of the Shrine, Fr. Edward Nemeth, also emphasized and expanded on this theme of God’s handiwork in the project. “As Sacred Scripture tells us, if the Lord does not build the house, in vain do the builders labor [Psalm 127:1],” he said. “We can truly say that the Lord builds this house … Today begins a new season in the life of the Shrine, as we bring another phase of her pilgrimage to completion. As we break ground on the Saint Juan Diego Pilgrim House today, let us move forward in faith, let us move forward in confidence that indeed the Lord does build this house.”
A Shared Enthusiasm
Those involved in the construction work also spoke at the groundbreaking: Dan Schiavone, Vice President of CG Schmidt, the construction company entrusted with building the Pilgrim House; Michael Huffman, Project Manager; and Duncan Stroik, Architect of the Shrine Church and now also of the Pilgrim House. All, as seasoned Catholic builders, emphasized their enthusiasm for the intended beautiful structure that will serve people for many years to come.
A Place of Prayer
“His Eminence has told us … that it should be the most beautiful retreat house, the most beautiful pilgrim center in America,” said Stroik. “So that is our goal … to continue the beauty of the exterior of this building, the stone, the craft, even the iconography of the exterior that soars, and then on the inside to be hospitable, to be a place of prayer, of retreat, of inspiration in conferences and so on … dedicated to the mysteries of Our Lady and her Son. Beauty, beauty that will save the world.”
Breaking Ground on the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
As the choir chanted the Salve Regina, accompanied by the carillon of the Shrine Church, Cardinal Burke led the official groundbreaking ceremony with golden shovels. A reception with refreshments followed in the crypt, where Cardinal Burke signed copies of the new Shrine Book.
While the completion of the Pilgrim House will require much additional dedicated work, the launching of the project represents a major milestone. The goal of providing pilgrims hospitality on sacred ground is on the horizon. By God’s providential care working through many human hands, all can hope to see it become present reality.
View plans and support the construction of the Pilgrim House!
From the Ground Breaking Ceremony
