Pilgrimage to Guatemala

Members and supporters from Lumen Christi recently visited the Missionary Fraternity of Mary, a major and minor seminary in Guatemala. The seminary is one of Lumen Christi's international twinning partners and has been for almost 40 years. Missionary priests serve in 14 countries around the world, including the United States, and more specifically, within a number of parishes in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. It was a memorable experience for all participants to meet the seminarians, visit their classes to see what they are learning, and to celebrate daily Mass with them. Additionally, participants traveled outside of the city to visit with the families of two of the local priests. Their joy, hospitality, and faith were apparent! Participants also visited Santiago Atitlan and celebrated Mass where Blessed Stanley Rother was martyred in 1981. Blessed Rother is the first martyr from the United States and the first U.S. born priest to be beatified. 

Finally, participants were honored by the Fraternity on the last day in Guatemala by becoming Third Order Members of the Missionary Fraternity of Mary. Fr. Luis Carlos de Leon, Moderator General of the Missionary Fraternity of Mary, sent group members off with our first mission: deliver and invite Mike and Mary Cesarz to also become third order members of the Fraternity. This ceremony took place at a recent weekday Mass. Mike and Mary have been instrumental in their efforts to support and promote the Fraternity's efforts at Lumen Christi since the inception of the twinning partner relationship. Mike and Mary have recently passed the baton to John and Amy Yadgir, who will carry on with the good work at the Fraternity. 

Here are just a few pictures from the trip, but more will be shared during this year's Mission Appeal weekend, which is scheduled for October 11-12. Pictures will be on display and participants from this pilgrimage will be available during hospitality after all Masses. We hope you can join us!