AURORA—On Aug. 2, Luxembourg’s Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich visited Aurora to celebrate Mass at Annunciation BVM Church for Catholics of Luxembourg heritage. The Mass was followed by a reception at Marmion Abbey’s Nagel Emporium at Abbey Farms. 

 

His Aurora visit began in Chicago and was connected to additional stops at other 

 

Midwestern sites identified with Luxembourg heritage. His plans were to visit them over the first two-weeks of August as he carries on a tradition of visits by his predecessor Luxembourg bishops.

 

The greater Aurora area has historically been one of the largest settlements of Luxembourgers in the United States, and the city still has an active Luxembourg society. 

 

Parishes in Aurora with historic populations of natives of Luxembourg include Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Nicholas, St. Joseph and Our Lady of Good Counsel, according to the Attaché for Cultural Affairs and Public Relations for the Honorary Consulate of Luxembourg in Wisconsin, Kevin Wester. 

 

Wester is a cousin of the cardinal who arranged the pastoral visit and accompanied him during the cardinal’s two weeks in the Midwest.