Centenary
Reflections
During our Centennial Year, July 9, 2006 - July 9, 2007, we would like to invite
your reflections, emotions, thought or feelings about the Basilica of Holy Hill,
National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians.
Perhaps you visited here long ago, on pilgrimage or with your family and have fond
memories of those "days of yester-year". Or perhaps you felt that your prayers to
Mary, Help of Christians were answered in some special way. Maybe your need was
for physical healing, or perhaps you prayed for emotional or spiritual healing.
If you would like to share something with us, you may do so here.
1) Fr. John Sullivan's
Reflection
2) Every year we come to Holy Hill and I find great peace here, I am filled with
an inner peace that I never feel anywhere else. Holy Hill makes me feel as though
I am at home, a spiritual home.
- James C. (Madison, WI)
3) What a magnificent place. It truly moved me. The church, chapel, statues, stations,
etc. were so beautiful-it is hard to put into words.
- Cappy U. (Roseville, MN)
4) When I was a child, my family would migrate to Hartford, Wisconsin from a small
border town in Texas (Eagle Pass) to work in the Libby's canning company. We had
a group of missionary brothers who would come to our housing complex and conduct
religion education and Sunday Mass. We have fond memories of those days as well
as the annual pilgrimage to Holy Hill. I still remember the beautiful church and
scenic drive. We were in awe. It has been over 35 years since my last visit, but
remember it well.
- Rose G. (San Antonio, TX)
5) In 1998, I came to Holy Hill on a Carmelite Retreat. Prior to this I had decided
to quit smoking. I had my last cigarette before leaving home. When we arrived, I
spent an hour pouring my heart out to a Statue of St. Teresa. I told her I had tried
every thing and asked for her help. I have not had a cigarette since that night.
I had smoked for 30 years. Thank you Little Flower.
- Peggy B. (DeKalb, IL)
6) When I was a child, my father took our family to Holy Hill. I was in awe of its
sacred beauty and inspiration. I remember the beautiful view, the stations of the
cross and going up in the tower and looking all around at the breathtaking view.
I will remember my visits to Holy Hill and cherish the memory of the times with
my dad who loved me enough to bring me to this beautiful sacred place.
- Lorene (Sparta, WI)
7) I was 16 the first time I saw Holy Hill from the window of an old school bus,
coming from Chicago to spend a day in prayer with my mother and brother. I am now
57 and have come every year when I could, along with my husband and 3 children,
to share the beauty and awe I felt as a young girl.
- Maria (Chicago, WI)
8) Like many others, our family has visited Holy Hill many times. This past year,
my son, an only child, was killed in an explosion. I cried. Then I said to myself,
this was meant to be, stand tall, be strong. Last week, I visited Holy Hill. I remembered
bringing my son here when he was about five years old. He ran around, looked at
this, touched that, and then held my hand and whispered, "Mom, this place is so
cool, don't be afraid how high it is, really, I know it's safe here." Now I stand
here, some thirty years later, at the back of the church and stare at the altar.
I am drawn to the communion railing, I kneel down with shaking shoulders and burning
tears in my eyes. Then, I humbly let go. I can weep, I can be sad, I have suffered
a great loss. I tell my son how sorry I am, how much I miss him, and I quietly whisper
to him, "You were so right, my love, it is safe here."
- Constance K. (Oak Creek, WI)
I love Holy Hill and I miss it now that we're so far. We visited my uncle there
Father Raphael often and Father Bernardine and Brother Joseph. I have loads of pictures
that my grandfather took when chickens still roamed in front of the old monastery.
I will always love Holy Hill and the Carmelites will always remain special.