Video Contest Information

How are you called to bring Christ to the fringes of society — to the poor and those in need? The Diocese of Winona is launching a video contest campaign to celebrate the generous response of the people of our diocese. To participate, click on the following link: 

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Program Schedule Overview

Friday Evening

 7:00 pm Program of Sacred Music and Prayer featuring the Chamber Singers of Saint Mary’s University (@ Ss. Peter & Paul Church, Mankato) 

Saturday

  9:00 am Day-long celebration event (@ the Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato)

•  Dynamic speakers and uplifting music (in English and Spanish)
•  Children’s program, youth track, and family activities
•  Displays, resources, and service opportunities
•  Stories and items from our diocesan history

  4:00 pm Celebration of the Eucharist (bilingual) (@ the Verizon Wireless Center)

  7:00 pm Concert featuring Tony Melendez (bilingual) (@ the Verizon Wireless Center)

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 Thank You to Our Sponsors

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 FAQ's

What are we celebrating?

Bishop John Quinn announced last fall that our diocese would celebrate a “Year of Thanksgiving” in 2014, to continue the blessings from the Year of Faith and to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Diocese of Winona.  It was on December 27, 1889, that Archbishop John Ireland laid his hands on Father Joseph B. Cotter, ordaining him as the first bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Winona. 125 years later, we look back and rejoice at the history and goodness that has come from the Diocese of Winona. 

We look back with thanksgiving, but we also look forward in hope and seek to call our diocesan Church to a deeper response to Jesus’ invitation to proclaim the Gospel and to bear witness to the faith through loving service of our neighbor.  The theme of our diocesan celebration event, Where Does Jesus Send Us?, is from Pope Francis’ homily at World Youth Day, where he said: "The Gospel is for everyone…  Do not be afraid to go and to bring Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who seem farthest away."

When are we celebrating? 

While our 125th anniversary is being celebrated throughout the year, the focus event will be held on the evening of Friday, September 12th, and on Saturday, September 13th. 

Where will the celebration event be held?

The celebration event will begin with a program of sacred music and prayer to be held on Friday evening at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Mankato.  The Chamber Singers of Saint Mary’s University will be featured on the program that evening.  On the following day, a program of speakers, music, activities, displays, etc. will be held at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato.  We will also celebrate the Eucharist together, with Bishop Quinn presiding. 

 Who is invited to the celebration?

Everyone!   There will be programs for children, for youth, and for adults.  The sessions and music will feature both English- and Spanish-speaking presenters and performers. 

What is the cost?

The event is free.  There is no registration fee.  Food will be available for purchase at the event, and at area restaurants. 

Do I need to register?

Yes, registration is requested, and required for participants in the children’s program and youth track.  You can register online by clicking here.  

Who planned this celebration?

A committee of leaders – clergy, religious, and lay – from across the diocese has been meeting over the last several months to envision and plan this anniversary celebration.  Much of the detailed work on the event is also being done by the members of the Bishop’s staff, who are meeting and working with the diocesan anniversary committee. 

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