There was excitement in the air as over 500 guests visited the newly purchased Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Burlington, Wisconsin, on October 21. Guests came from far and wide – some were local citizens curious about their new neighbors, some were individuals who had attended retreats at the Center in years gone by, some were laity from various Institute apostolates throughout the Midwest – and all enjoyed seeing the beautiful facility and embracing the vision for its future.

 

 

The church bells rang out as Canon Todd, project manager, and Canon Huberfeld, rector of the Center, and Abbé Jeffery led groups through the church and down the long corridors, sharing various points of interest and plans for restoration, answering questions from their enthusiastic guests.

 

 

Canon Talarico, U.S. Provincial Superior, was also on hand to welcome visitors, some of whom were the former owners of the Center, the Franciscan priests who now reside next door.

 

 

The Sister Adorers from the Convent of the Nativity in Wausau, Wisconsin, joined the festivities, touring the grounds, visiting with guests and assisting volunteers.

 

 

Guests were invited to stroll the grounds, enjoying the crisp fall air and sunshine among the splashes of fall color which added pageantry to the day.

 

 

Finally, visitors were invited to enjoy refreshments and social time in the hall beneath the church. It was a wonderful and blessed beginning for the new chapter in the life of this historic Retreat Center.