Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

A group of parishioners from Immaculate Conception Parish in Ulysses, led by Father Michael Stec, recently completed a pilgrimage to several religious sites in Missouri. The trip was organized as part of the 75th anniversary celebration of the church's dedication, which took place after the original building was destroyed by fire in 1949 and rebuilt under Bishop Louis Kucera.

Father Stec initially considered a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, but when interest was low among parishioners, he shifted focus to locations closer to home. Inspiration for the journey came during a drive to a pro-life event in Omaha when Mary Chris Fiala shared her experience visiting Sister Wilhelmina’s uncorrupt body. This prompted discussions with another parishioner, Ann Rech, about organizing a pilgrimage that would also honor the parish’s patroness.

The group chose to visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, an official Jubilee Year pilgrimage site within driving distance. Additional stops included St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Church and the Shrine of St. Joseph in St. Louis. Fifty-two people participated in the trip, including members from other Nebraska communities such as Dwight, David City, Seward, and Bellwood.

Before departing on September 19th, participants attended a Votive Mass dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Stec encouraged everyone by asking: “Where will you encounter God on this pilgrimage?” and “How will you bring God to others, as Mary did at the Visitation?”

During their journey, pilgrims reported spiritual experiences at various shrines and churches. They venerated relics of saints including St. Peter Claver and St. Padre Pio and listened to prayers chanted by Benedictine Sisters. Al Moravec noted about Sister Martina: “She was so full of joy and happiness. It was very contagious to me. She set me up for the rest of the pilgrimage.”

Participants also mentioned moments where they felt their devotion deepen. CeCe Bechtel said: “Visiting the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal rekindled my devotion to our Mother Mary, filling me with a more trusting spirit.” She also described how prayer helped someone struggling spiritually.

Father Stec encouraged others not to let this Jubilee Year pass without taking action: “Do not let this Jubilee Year pass by without doing something special to encounter God.” He suggested making local pilgrimages or retreats as ways for individuals to strengthen their faith.

Mary Bohling added: “The Blessed Mother offers us many tools to lead us to her Son, Jesus. These tools include the messages from Fatima, Lourdes, and Knock.” Father Stec concluded by emphasizing renewed devotion through participation in Mass and Holy Communion.