MORTGAGE BURNING Father Michael Miller, left, pastor of St. Michael in Stillwater, watches as the mortgage certificate burns during a special ceremony at the parish May 18, which also included Archbishop John Nienstedt. Under his leadership, the parish recently was able to retire a $8 million renovation debt. The project started in 2001 when Father Michael Skluzacek was the pastor. When Father Miller arrived in 2005, the remaining debt was $5 million for the project, which consisted of an atrium to the church, a three-level building containing a social hall, parish offices and meeting rooms, a middle school and a gymnasium. Photo by Jeanne CreaWOUNDED WARRIORS U.S. military personnel walk in procession during a pilgrimage at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in southwestern France May 16. About 60 wounded U.S. military personnel, together with family members and caregivers, were a part of the annual International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes. CNS photo/Paul Haring
