Are you a young adult? Do you want to experience the life-changing power of a Marian pilgrimage? If so, you are invited to join others, ages 18-39, from across the Diocese of Lansing on pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin, the United States’ only approved Marian apparition site, from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1. Ave Maria!
The Shrine of Our Lady of Champion stands on the site of the reported apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to a 28-year-old Belgian-born woman, Adele Brise, in 1859. Upon inquiry, Our Lady told Adele: "I am the Queen of Heaven, who prays for the conversion of sinners, and I wish you to do the same." Adele was also given a mission to “gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation.” From then on, Adele Brise devoted her life to teaching children.
The apparition was formally approved in 2010 by Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay. Six years later, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops designated the shrine as a national shrine. Highlights of the Young Adults pilgrimage includes:
• Daily Mass
• Meals (Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast)
• Carpool (gas & tolls included)
• Pilgrimage site expenses
• Prayer reflections
• Small hike (about 5 miles) to and from Saint Joseph Shrine
• Fellowship with other young adults
The pilgrimage is open to young adults ages 18-39. Departure is on Friday, May 30, at 8am. Return is Sunday, June 1, at 8pm. Pilgrims will stay in accommodation at the Norbertine Retreat Center near Green Bay which is about 20-30 minutes from the National Shrine. The cost is $299 for a double (shared room) and $349 for a single room.
• Contact Dawn Hausmann of the Diocese of Lansing’s Vocations Office with any questions at dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org or click here to register.