Alternative Catholic World Youth Day Experience: Diocese of Green Bay

Paul Keggington

July 29, 2013

On July 27, 2013 synchronized with the World Youth Day Rio vigil, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity joined others of the Diocese of Green Bay at the Shrine of Mary of Good Help, Champion, WI for Evening Prayer, a reflection by Bishop David Ricken. Eucharistic Adoration, music, confessions, Benediction and social.

Franciscan-Sister-Camilla-and-Sister-RexannSister Camilla Wolfgram, Sister Elizabeth Benvie and Sister Rexann, represented our Community. Here are some comments about this prayer experience.

Sister Elizabeth: It was inspiring and hopeful to see so many young people at the WYD prayer vigil. Bishop David Ricken gave us these suggestions:

  • Attend Sunday Mass.
  • Go to confession once a month.
  • Learn about the lives of the Saints.
  • Read the Bible daily.
  • Pray the Rosary.
  • Invite a friend to Mass.
  • Act upon the nudges of the Holy Spirit.

Alternative-World-Youth-Day-Green-Bay-WIHe told us that there are no part-time Christians. Being a Christian is a full-time occupation. We are called to be agents of hope, joy and love to others. Jesus called each of us here. Christ desires to tell you, “I love you.”

Bishop carried the monstrance around the chapel. He held it in front of each of us and gave us time to pray. This was a very moving experience of prayer! I felt the power of God enveloping me during this time of prayer. God is so good.

Sister Camilla summarized the experience this way:

  1. The World Youth Day experience at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in New Franken wasAlternative-WYD-Shrine-of-our-Lady-of-Good-Help energized with the challenge of Bishop David Ricken that each of us is to be a joyful missionary for a New World.  
  2. The setting of this Shrine in the Diocese of Green Bay is surely a sacred place to connect with Jesus and His Mother Mary.
  3. Inspiring to observe the devotion of young people for the Blessed Sacrament.  
  4. What is holiness?  Being madly in love with God.   
  5. Living as an authentic Christian is a fulltime occupation. 

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