It's mid-October in southwest Wisconsin and the leaves are turning yellow and the red maple trees are at their peak. I decide to leave my familiar surroundings and take a short drive to the Shrine of Our Lady Of Guadalupe (5250 Justin Road, La Crosse) for a pilgrimage. The shrine is surrounded by 70 acres of wooded land in the scenic bluffs of driftless Wisconsin and welcomes visitors of all faiths and beliefs year-round. I love the one-mile winding walk to the top and the serenity that prevails here. (Motorized carts are provided if needed.)
Although the natural surroundings change with the season, the works of art, sculptures, memorials, and shrines stand brilliantly year-round. The Shrine Church sits about halfway up the trail. It was designed in an Italian Renaissance style with an impressive mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe above the altar. The exterior is made of stone from Wisconsin and Minnesota. The groundbreaking was in 2001 and it was completed in 2008. This shrine was the divine inspiration of Cardinal Burke who continues to serve as President of the Board of Directors.
My favorite stop along the path is the Votive Candle Chapel where 700 Votive candles are placed in the shape of a large pyramid and lit daily. The view of these glowing blue candles with the stained glass windows in the background is spectacular.
“When we go on a pilgrimage, we leave the familiar surroundings of everyday life for a journey to a holy place.” -Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke
