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Advent/Christmas Season
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Dear Friend of Saint Anne’s Shrine,
The season of Advent invites us to look
back to the birth of Jesus, and to look forward to His return in glory.
As the dark days of December and the cold winds off Lake Champlain
buffet our little Shrine, Advent is also a good time to look back on our
pilgrimage season and look forward to next year. I had the privilege of
opening the Shrine at seven o’clock on a Saturday evening in May. Spring
is my favorite time of the year at the Shrine. The flowers and trees are
blooming, the island is quiet, and we are again excited about
proclaiming the good news in our little oasis of “light, life and love.”
After the Mass, I was in awe of the gilded statue of the Blessed Mother.
The statue is well lit at night, and I suspect that it can be seen from
well across the lake.
Many of the priests in the Society of Saint Edmund served at the Shrine
this past year. I know that our Sunday visitors appreciate the variety
of homilies and liturgical styles. We were also happy to offer many days
of recollection for the people in our community. The Shrine also hosted
a variety of days and evenings of recollection for students from Saint
Michael's College and local parishes. Some of my favorite Masses were
those hosted by the Knights of Columbus from both sides of the lake.
These Masses are celebrated by the Bishops of the respective diocese and
are always well attended.
As all of you are aware, sadly this past year marked the death of our
beloved Father Boucher. His funeral at the Shrine was a tribute to his
many years of ministry. There were over eight hundred people present,
the music was joyful, and we all felt the Spirit of the resurrected
Lord. The day was overcast, and an east wind kept the rain away. Those
strong east winds are very rare at the Shrine, and I suspect that Saint
Anne wanted to keep us dry. Father Boucher was buried in Saint Joseph’s
Cemetery on Isle La Motte. As soon as we left the cemetery, it began to
rain—really it began to pour!
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This year, we at Saint Anne’s Shrine, celebrated the 400th anniversary
of the arrival of Samuel de Champlain with a special celebration of our
own on Sunday, July 19th. At the Mass, Bishop Matano reminded us that
our Shrine was the site of the first Mass in Vermont, and holds a
special place for all the Catholics in our community. The history of
Saint Anne’s Shrine is a living legacy to those who have journeyed to
find God. One hundred years ago, at our last centennial celebration
honoring Samuel de Champlain, there was talk of building a lighthouse on
Isle La Motte that would be visible for hundreds of miles. Although this
lighthouse was never built, Saint Anne’s Shrine continues to be a beacon
to all who seek the Lord Jesus Christ.
To keep this beacon glowing brightly with life, light and love, we need
your help. Under the leadership of its Advisory Board, the Shrine
strives to persevere in the coming fiscal year and pilgrimage season by
remaining true to its “break-even”, operational budget. One can imagine
the challenge such a goal presents in light of the prevailing economic
climate we all continue to face. Nevertheless, it has been your
unfailing generosity that has guided us in the past and we ask that you
please consider doing so again by donating
to our special ministry. Your response to this appeal, no matter
the amount, indeed makes a difference and contributes greatly to
assuring a bright future. We are grateful for your support.
Our prayers go with you for a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
May the peace and joy of Christmas remain with you always!
Yours in Saint Anne,
Very Rev. Michael Cronogue, SSE
Superior General
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