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Fr. Rick Heilman leads a family Rosary at the Mary, Mother of God Grotto at Durward’s Glen Retreat Center near Baraboo during the recent Fall Faith and Family Marian Conference. (Catholic Herald photo/Joe Ptak) For more pictures click here. |
BARABOO — At 7:30 a.m. on September 25, the Carillon bells rang at Durward’s Glen Retreat Center in the Baraboo River Valley, greeting pilgrims as they arrived to attend this year’s annual Fall Faith and Family Marian Conference, “Do Whatever He Tells You.”
Our Lady from the newly built, “Mary, Mother of God Grotto,” seemed to come alive as she stood watching over her guests as they entered the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the base of the hill. Clearly, those who rose early, realizing the importance of not missing Confession before Mass, chose to respond to her call for this special day.
Greeters for this special occasion presented booths on the front porch. They were Nancy Chenery, a spokesperson from Miles Christi; Joe and Vonnie Clemens, volunteers for registration; and Rose Ann Blau, a Durward’s Glen historian.
Displayed nearby, a large picture of the Virgin Mary by Charles Durward and titled, “Madonna of the Embrace,” welcomed guests as they climbed the steps to the retreat center.