Advent Pilgrimage Day 16: Green Bay

Photo courtesy of St. Norbert’s College Parish

On Day 16 of the Advent virtual pilgrimage, we head north to DePere, Wisconsin, just outside of Green Bay, to the National Shrine of St. Joseph, located on the campus of St. Norbert College. The shrine is operated by the medieval white-clad Norbertine Order which first came to America from Europe and settled in De Pere in the late nineteenth century to minister to Belgian immigrants.

French Canadians who arrived in this region to work in its lumber mills in the nineteenth century brought with them a strong devotion to St. Joseph, the patron saint of Canada. In 1870, a parish dedicated to St. Joseph was established on this site, and it was decreed a shrine in 1892 by Pope St. Leo XIII. In 1888, the parish priest initiated a novena to St. Joseph that has occurred weekly without interruption ever since. The shrine is centered around a historic statue of St. Joseph that was solemnly crowned by the Bishop of Green Bay in 1892, as well as a piece cloak believed to be that of Joseph.

As we enter the last full week of Advent, it is timely to reflect on the silent example of St. Joseph, ever watchful and protective of the infant Christ child and our Blessed Mother. Although his words are not recorded in the Gospels, we can still draw inspiration from his example which shines through powerfully. May we draw on that quiet strength of St. Joseph to remain united with Our Lord and Savior.

Discover more of Catholic Wisconsin

To learn more about the sites of Catholic Wisconsin, click here for the Catholic travel guide to that region.

Concluding Psalm

The concluding psalm for today is Psalm 14, verse 2:

“The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if even one is wise, if even one seeks God”

Previous days of the pilgrimage:

Day 1 – Rapid City, South Dakota

Day 2 – Montana

Day 3 – Sacramento

Day 4 – Los Angeles

Day 5 – Tucson

Day 6 – Santa Fe