Annunciation Celebration

Thursday, March 25, was the Solemnity of the Annunciation, nine months before Christmas. This feast, which has been celebrated since the 5th century, marks the angel's visit to Mary and her 'yes' to God, when Our Lord was conceived, as detailed in Luke 1:26-38. This was, of course, the moment that Our Lord was conceived and the Son of God became the Son of the Virgin--in other words, when God became Man.

Perfect day for a road trip, don't you think? We went to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to visit the gorgeous two-year-old Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was spectacular, and we had a fantastic trip. Here are some pictures...

Picnic lunch in front of Our Lady's statue:

The shrine itself, which is about a 20 minute walk up the beautiful wooded hill:

The Memorial to the Unborn:

In front of the statue of Our Lady with *three* sweet babies in her arms (is this our new family picture, or what?!):

Statue of Juan Diego with Bishop Zumarraga in front of the shrine:

At the St. Joseph the Worker statue:

With Blessed Kateri Tekatwitha:

I didn't take pictures of everything--but if you get a chance, you should go; it is all just gorgeous. The kids had a great time too--lots of opportunities for running around, for those of us who are so inclined, as well as learning and prayer for--ahem--the rest of us. :) Getting ready to go, I read a book about Our Lady of Guadalupe to the kids, and of course I probably learned even more from it than they did (as usual). How amazing that just when the Church was having so many problems in Europe (Reformation, anyone?), Our Lady appeared in 1531 to a simple, holy Indian man in Mexico, and by her love and his faith, a vibrant heritage of Catholic faith began there. So cool!

I am just so in love with this place! I want to go back there right now! And the story of Juan Diego makes me want to go get some Tex-Mex right now too! :) Awesome!