The Novitiate was very blessed to have the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage to Wisconsin September 25-29, 2011. We arrived at our Mater Redemptoris Convent in La Crosse , WI , in time for evening prayer and supper with our Sisters there. The next day, we went to Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in La Crosse . We walked up the hill to the Shrine in the rain, but by the time we emerged from the Shrine, the rain had stopped and we were able to pray the Stations of the Cross outside and go on a rosary walk. The next day, we embarked on a journey across the state of Wisconsin which took us through beautiful farmland areas. Our first stop was in DePere, WI, at St. Norbert Abbey to visit the National Shrine of St. Joseph. We then went on to Champion, WI, to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, which is on the actual site of an approved Marian apparition. The whole atmosphere there was very peaceful and prayerful. On the final full day of our pilgrimage, September 28, we returned to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. After attending Holy Mass there, we had quiet time to pray and reflect on our own. We prayed especially for vocations to our Congregation, and also for the many intentions of all our Sisters, relatives, and benefactors. We thank God for the gift of this pilgrimage and for the gift of our Mother Mary who always leads us to her Son! Check out more pictures on our website.
Recently, I found a reflection I had written during my first retreat as a postulant. The last conference that had been given was on Spiritual Motherhood. As I approached the 4 th Station where Jesus meets His Sorrowful Mother, this is what struck my heart: What is the sacrificial love of a mother? It is the self-sacrifice made to love her children. Mary’s self-sacrifice to be there with Christ, her Son, in His passion was the selfless love that united her with Him. Her heart was pierced with 7 swords in the agony of watching her beloved Son endure a cross that He did not deserve, but which He embraced for the love of the Father and mankind. Could she not have said to Jesus, “You don’t have to do this, there are other ways. Do you know how much pain You are causing me and those who love you?” She knew He could have chosen any other way t...
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