For centuries, believers have turned to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a source of comfort, strength and hope.
Among the many Marian devotions that inspire the faithful, Our Lady of Champion and her apparition in Wisconsin stands out as a powerful reminder of God’s love for us. Her message, the healing graces that the faithful have experienced and the designation of her shrine as a Jubilee pilgrimage site in 2025 all serve as reminders of the peace and renewal that can be found in Mary’s loving presence.
History of Our Lady of Champion
In 1859, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Belgian immigrant Adele Brise in Champion, Wis., with a message of hope and evangelization. Our Lady instructed Adele to teach children their faith and pray for the conversion of sinners.
When Adele expressed hesitancy, Mary reassured her with a message of hope, saying, “Go, and fear nothing, I will help you.”
Adele devoted her life to Mary’s request, spreading the Gospel and educating children in the faith. Today, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, recognized as the first and only approved Marian apparition site in the United States, preserves the grounds where she appeared and creates an environment for pilgrims seeking solace, prayer and a renewed hope in God’s love.
Healing Graces
Many who visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion experience profound spiritual renewal, and some even witness physical healing.
One remarkable testimony comes from Louise, whose three-year-old grandson, Sam, was facing a dangerous battle with leukemia. On the eve of critical tests, they prayed a decade of the rosary at the site of Mary’s apparition. Sam, full of faith, looked up and said, “Please make me better, Jesus.”
The next day, doctors conducted tests, and to their astonishment, there was no trace of leukemia in Sam’s body whatsoever. Louise later shared, “My heart overflows with joy and appreciation for all the prayers, but most of all to God our Father, who hears and answers all prayers.”
A Jubilee Pilgrimage Site
As the Church celebrates the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion has been named an official Jubilee Pilgrimage Site by Bishop David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay. This designation invites the faithful to seek renewal and reflect on the hope that Mary offers through her Son, Jesus Christ.
Pope Francis affirms Mary’s role in our journey of faith, saying in his Papal Bull of Induction for the Jubilee Year, “I am confident that everyone, especially the suffering and those most in need, will come to know the closeness of Mary, the most affectionate of mothers, who never abandons her children and who, for the holy people of God, is ‘a sign of certain hope and comfort.’” (Spes non confundit, 24)
Making a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Champion offers an opportunity to deepen faith, seek reconciliation, and embrace the hope that never fades – found in Jesus Christ. As we continue through this Jubilee Year, let us take Mary’s hand, trusting in God’s providence and allowing her loving presence to lead us toward healing and grace.
Our Lady of Champion is located at 4047 Chapel Drive, in Champion, Wis., just outside of Green Bay. The grounds and oratory are open 7 am until 7 pm daily. Check the website for Mass, confession and devotionals hours. A history center and gift shop also open year round
