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Solemn High Mass with Monsignor Gilles Wach

for the External Solemnity of the Feast of Corpus Christi

Sunday, June 10th, 2007

Several children of St. Joseph's Oratory received their First Holy Communion on this occasion.

The Solemn High Mass was followed by a grand Procession of the Most Blessed Sacrament

during which the Blessed Sacrament was carried in a monstrance given to the Green Bay diocese in 1686, by Nicolas Perrot

(1644 - 1717, who was a lay servant of the Jesuits, and fur trader), which was temporarily lent to the Oratory by the

 Historical Museum of Green Bay, with special permission given by Bishop David Zubik.

 

 

The ostensorium is the oldest religious relic in Wisconsin.  It is believed to have been buried to safeguard it,

and was later discovered.  It was given to the mission of St. Francis, which was located a little above the mouth of the Fox River, and is now, DePere. The original French inscription on the underside of the base translates to be, "This ostensory was presented by Mr. Nicolas Perrot to the mission of St. Francis Xavier at Green Bay, in the year 1686."

 

 

It is a tradition to have the monstrance painted on the sidewalk outside of the Church doors for a Corpus Christi procession.

This one was beautifully created by Abbè Keith Kerscher to resemble the ancient relic of Wisconsin

used during the procession by Msgr. Wach.

 

Superior General

of the Institute

of Christ the King

Sovereign Priest

Msgr. Gilles Wach

Vicar General

Provincial Superior

for the United States

Msgr. Michael Schmitz    

 

 

The First Holy Communicants

are invested with the

Brown Scapular by

Msgr. Wach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was offered at three outdoor altars throughout the Corpus Christi Procession,

finishing with another benediction inside of the Oratory.

 

 

 

Blessed Be God Forever!

 

 

 

The choir sang a song made especially for the Institute of Christ the King.

Msgr. Michael Schmitz gives a talk to everyone in attendance.

 

Msgr. Gilles Wach and Msgr. Michael Schmitz

Msgr. Gilles Wach recieves a special gift, presented by Father Jean~Marie Moreau.

 

Fr. Moreau presents a Spiritual Bouquet from the faithful at St. Joseph's Oratory.

 

The surprise is unveiled.  A large statue of St. Frances de Sales,

one of the Patron saints of the Institute of Christ the King.

 

 

Msgr. Gilles Wach blesses the statue of St. Frances de Sales.