SINSINAWA, Wis.-The yearlong celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP, founder of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, will culminate Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 4-5, 2006.

On his birthday, Saturday, Nov. 4, the public is invited to attend a free showing of the award-winning video, Tracing a Journey, which celebrates the life and legacy of Fr. Mazzuchelli, at 2:30 p.m. at Sinsinawa Mound. The viewing will be followed by a panel discussion with the creators of the film, writer Paul Kohl and executive producer Craig Schaefer. Solemn Vespers (evening prayer) will be held at 4:30 with preaching by Sr. Mary Paynter, OP, Vice-Postulator for the Cause of Beatification of Fr. Mazzuchelli. Celebrate with birthday refreshments afterward.

On Sunday, Nov. 5, at the 10:30 a.m. Eucharist, Fr. David Wright will preside and preach. He is also a Vice-Postulator for the Cause of Beatification of Fr. Mazzuchelli.

The exhibit, Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP, Tracing a Journey, will be open both Saturday and Sunday. This self-guided exhibit traces Fr. Mazzuchelli's journey from Italy to the United States, through the Midwest, telling the story of his ministry with the Native Americans, miners and farmers. Artifacts such as his writing desk, chalice, chasuble and penance chain are on display.

Father Mazzuchelli, born in 1806, is known in the tri-state area for establishing at least 35 parish communities, designing and building at least 24 churches, and founding the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. He was declared "Venerable" by Pope John Paul II, the first step to sainthood.

For more information on these and other activities at the Mound, contact Guest Services at (608) 748-4411 or visit our Web site at www.sinsinawa.org. Sinsinawa Mound, the Motherhouse for the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque.