2007 Memorial Day Pilgrimage

Our trip to the Jubilee Family shrine on Memorial Day was truly a blessed family day. As we traveled by bus, Deacon John Bauer led us in singing religious and patriotic songs. We then prayed the Divine Office prayers and the rosary. It was great to see so many Roman collars on the bus! (See photos)

The Schoenstatt Sisters warmly welcomed us by having a hot meal of roast beef sandwiches ready for us when we arrived. After everyone had their fill, we headed outdoors for an afternoon of sunshine, laughter, and softball. Although the softball game was intended to be a heated match between adults and teens, there were too few players to form a game in this configuration. We simply choose teams in a simple way, and had fun. One of the game highlights was Fr. Kasel’s mile high homerun.

Fr. Kasel and Fr. Yanta then offered a votive mass to the Holy Spirit assisted by Deacon John Bauer and Deacon Gary Kasel. The presence of so many religious bedecked in red stoles and vestments was breathtaking. Many graces were received. Father Kasel reminded us in his homily to ask for special gifts from the Holy Spirit for our families and then to share them with others.

We ended the day with Benediction in the shrine and our renewal of the Covenant of Love. The Holy Spirit was very active as the winds blew in and around the shrine, especially on the little children making piles of rocks near the door of the shine. Before boarding the bus, the Sisters treated us with a delicious carrot cake made especially for Fr. Kasel on his 2nd anniversary as a priest.

As you read this article and view these pictures, may you share in the grace of this day. be sure to join us next year as we again travel to the shrine on Memorial Day, May 26, 2008!