LaCrosse, Wisconsin
August 3 - 5, 2007

"Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Mercy"
The Queen of the Americas Guild was pleased to co-sponsor its third conference at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, August 3 - 5, 2007. The theme for this year's conference was "Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Mercy." Nestled among the beautiful foothills of the Mississippi Valley, the Shrine and its founder, Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, share a similar purpose to that of the Guild; to promote devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The conference began on Friday, August 3rd with the opening Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, Archbishop of St. Louis, Missouri. Following Mass, Master of Ceremonies Marty Rotella introduced Guild President Frank Smoczynski, who gave a brief history of the Guild, and spoke of plans for a retreat center in Mexico City. Msgr. George Hastrich, founding member of the Guild and brother of the late Bishop Jerome Hastrich then shared his knowledge and thoughts on Our Lady.

After a brief break, pilgrims were then given free time to enjoy a guided tour of the Shrine Church construction and Shrine grounds, including the beautiful Stations of the Cross and Votive chapel. After the group re-connected for a pro-life rosary, Archbishop Raymond Burke delivered the keynote address.

The highlight of the conference was the Friday evening dinner with Archbishop Burke and Bishop Joseph J. Madera as honored guests. After the gourmet dinner at the Shrine's Culina Mariana Cafe, Archbishop Burke treated the group to the exclusive announcement thtat the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate have agreed to be in residence at the Shrine, beginning next July.

Saturday, August 4th began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Madera, followed by an address by Benedict Nguyen, Chancellor of the Diocese of La Crosse. Mr. Nguyen shared his ideas regarding the thoughts of Pope Benedict XVI from his perspective as Canon lawyer for the Diocese.

Following a delicious lunch at Culina Mariana, Bishop Madera gave a moving talk about his personal family history in Mexico, and of the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe's self portrait.

Pilgrims were then treated to an enthusiastic and humorous talk by Father Richard Simon, frequent guest on Relevant Radio.

After a brief break, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Mary Rotella gave a lively concert, featuring the beautiful "I'm Your Mother", which tells the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe in song. The concert was followed by another group rosary, after which Sister Christa Marie, Executive Director of the Shrine, gave an update on the Shrine Church construction.

The conference concluded on Sunday morning, August 5th with Holy Mass at the Shrine chapel, again celebrated by Bishop Madera and concelebrated by Monsignor Hastrich. Participants left with a new understanding of the work of the Queen of the Americas Guild and Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as well as a deeper understanding of Our Lady's miracle.

Visit the Shrine's website here