La Crosse, WI - Friary and Shrine

History of the Friary and Shrine

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the fruit of an inspiration received by its Founder, Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, who desired to build a “place of authentic devotion to Mary, the Mother of God,” a place for pilgrims to experience God’s love and mercy. The Shrine church was dedicated by Archbishop Burke on July 31, 2008. The hopes of the Archbishop have been fulfilled already in the few short months since the Shrine church’s opening: pilgrims not only from the Midwest but as far away as California have come in large numbers to visit the Shrine and find spiritual renewal. Now the Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome, Archbishop Burke remains the director of the Shrine.

In 2007 Archbishop Burke approached the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate to request their direction of pastoral care at the Shrine. On July 13, 2008, three Friars (Fr. Peter M. Fehlner, Fr. Louis Maximilian M. Smith, Fra Joseph M Schmitzer) arrived in La Crosse to begin their residence at the Shrine. Fr. Peter is the Shrine’s first Rector.

For a complete history of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, please visit this link in MissioMariae.net.

Location and Contact Information

(Physical Address) 5250 Justin Rd., La Crosse, WI 54601

(Mailing Address) P.O. Box 1237, La Crosse WI 54602-1237
Tel: 608-796-1300 (Friary/Rectory)
608-796-1700 (Sacristy); FAX: 608-796-1302

Apostolate

The Friars provide spiritual assistance and pastoral care for the Shrine, consisting primarily in preaching, celebration of the Sacraments, and giving talks to groups of pilgrims upon request. The Friars also assist in the spiritual and doctrinal formation of members of the Marian Catechist Apostolate, a catechetical association begun by the late Fr. John Hardon and now under the direction of Archbishop Raymond L. Burke.

Shrine Hours:

Open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

Public Services:

Holy Mass:
Monday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m. Sunday, 1:00 p.m.
Pilgrimage Masses are scheduled as requested. Masses in Spanish are regularly scheduled as well.
Beginning in December, 2008, the Latin (Tridentine) Mass will also be offered on Sunday.

Confession in the Shrine Church:

Monday-Friday, 10:00-10:50 a.m. and after the 11:00 a.m. Mass;
Saturday, 10:00-10:50 a.m., after the 11:00 a.m. Mass, 3:00-3:45 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Confession is available at other times upon request at the Rectory.

Devotional services, such as Holy Hour and Eucharistic Benediction, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Holy Rosary, are regularly scheduled.