Shrine, Shrine, Everywhere a Shrine

(title dedicated to Jenni)

Last weekend, we took a little day trip down to La Crosse to finally see the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (a trip that we've been meaning to take for quite a while, but the stars finally aligned this time). After an accidental detour on the Rural Route, we made it and spent a few hours walking around and enjoying the sights.

Our Lady of the Visitors' Center (er, Guadalupe)

The exterior of the Shrine (with 6'1" Dad to give a little scale)

The cornerstone of the Shrine itself. I have to admit that it inspired me with a strange desire to name one of my children "Raimundus".

We happened to arrive just in time for Benediction, which was lovely (and mostly in Latin!)

I'm still not sure what I think of the angels clothed in gold. From a distance, they looked sort of like they were emerging from their cocoons.

The beautiful dome, surrounded by a few Doctors of the Church.

Another of the dome.

One set of mysteries on the Rosary Walk. Some of the mysteries (the Wedding at Cana, Descent of the Holy Spirit, etc) were depicted as taking place in the Shrine.

The Annunciation.

From the Stations Walk