New Ulm, MN - Bishop Raymond A. Lucker, bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm officially designated the following churches, one in each of the six regions of the diocese, as places of sacred pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year according to the description of Pope John Paul in the document The Mystery of Incarnation:
Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, New Ulm;
Church of the Holy Redeemer, Marshall;
Church of the Sacred Heart , Murdock;
Church of the Holy Redeemer, Renville;
Church of the Holy Trinity, Winsted;
and the Schoenstatt Shrine in Sleepy Eye.
The usual conditions for gaining an indulgence are to be followed.
In a written statement to the pastoral leaders of the diocese Bishop explained, "Many people during a time such as this will wish to make pilgrimages to various shrines. Since we do not have large national shrines within reach of most of our people, I am designating these churches, which are connected to the mystery to the Holy Trinity and the incarnation, as special places to visit and to pray for reconciliation, conversion, evangelization, and church unity which are some of the themes of this Jubilee Year."
Many dioceses are observing the Jubilee year and the new millennium with special pilgrimages to Rome, or large festivals. The Diocese of New Ulm is participating in a three year observance of the Jubilee with a process called RENEW 2000 where people are gathering in small christian communities to reflect on the scriptures and share their faith. Bishop Lucker urged everyone to participate actively in the RENEW 2000 process, "I believe this is a way of growing in faith, hope, and love."