Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion: Why Every Catholic Should Visit Wisconsin's Marian Shrine

A Special Invitation

Over the years, I have been blessed to participate in several pilgrimages, and each one has drawn me closer to Jesus. That is one of the reasons I am so excited to invite you to join me next summer on a pilgrimage to Wisconsin. A pilgrimage is so much more than a trip. It is an opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life, spend time with the Lord, and return home spiritually renewed.

Many Catholics are surprised to learn that the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin is the only Vatican approved Marian apparition site in the United States. It was here in 1859 that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Adele Brise with a simple but profound message: teach the faith, gather the children, and lead souls to Jesus Christ. That message is just as important today as it was more than 160 years ago.

A Journey of Faith

I would love to invite you to join me and Fr. Matthew Phelan, O. de M., on a 206 Tours pilgrimage to Wisconsin from July 13 through July 18, 2027. During our pilgrimage, we will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, breathtaking Holy Hill in Hubertus, the Basilca of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee, and Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse.

Each day we will celebrate Holy Mass, pray the Holy Rosary together, and have opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and spiritual reflection. One of the greatest blessings of a pilgrimage is sharing the journey with fellow Catholics who desire to grow closer to Christ.

If you have never been on a pilgrimage, this is a wonderful place to begin. If you have traveled before, you already know the graces that come from visiting holy places where generations of faithful men and women have prayed before us.

I hope you will prayerfully consider joining us on this special journey of faith. My prayer is that every pilgrim returns home with a renewed love for Our Lord, a deeper devotion to Our Blessed Mother, and friendships that continue long after the pilgrimage ends.

I would be honored to travel with you as we experience the beauty of Wisconsin's Catholic heritage together. Perhaps this is the summer that Our Lady of Champion is inviting you to answer her call.

• To learn more about the itinerary, pricing, and registration for our July 13-18, 2027 pilgrimage, please visit:
  https://www.206tours.com/cms/revphelan/