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All the United States Wisconsin National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion
AO Edited

National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion

In 1859, the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared in this small town.

New Franken, Wisconsin

Added By
Dr Chris Stout
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The small shrine prays homage to a miracle.   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
The small shrine prays homage to a miracle.   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
This was the first Marian apparition to be recognized in the United States.   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
The Virgin Mary supposedly appeared here.   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
Stroll down the aisle.   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
This holy site can be found in rural Wisconsin.   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
This certificate recognizes the validity of the apparition.   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
This is one of the few approved Pietas.   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
A small cemetery can be found outside.   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
The shrine itself dates back to the 1940s.   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
Oh come, all ye faithful.   drchrisstout / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The depths of rural Wisconsin might seem like an unlikely place for a Catholic holy site, but some claim that this shrine is on par with Lourdes in terms of its legacy of miraculous healing. In 1859, a Belgian-born woman by the name of Adele Brise claimed to see an apparition of the Virgin Mary on this site. In 2010, Bishop David L. Ricken officially recognized the vision, making this the first Marian apparition to be approved on American soil. 

After allegedly being called to "gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation," the 28-year-old Brise dedicated the rest of her life to spreading the Word. Adding to the site's miraculous credibility, the shrine was was spared from the infamous Peshtigo Fire of 1871. It also features one of the few Diocese-sanctioned Pieta replicas.

Related Tags

Miracles Healing Catholic Saints

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The shrine is a little bit difficult to get to, but not hard to find once you're in the area.

Community Contributors

Added By

drchrisstout

Published

November 13, 2024

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Sources
  • https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259719/documentary-spotlights-3-bishops-who-brought-our-lady-of-champion-shrine-to-national-attention
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Shrine_of_Our_Lady_of_Champion
  • https://championshrine.org/
National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion
4047 Chapel Dr
New Franken, Wisconsin, 54229
United States
44.590609, -87.773566
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Wequiock Falls

Green Bay, Wisconsin

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Wisconsin

Wisconsin

United States

Places 182
Stories 29

Nearby Places

Wequiock Falls

Green Bay, Wisconsin

miles away

Crypt of Dr. William Edward Minahan

Green Bay, Wisconsin

miles away

Maribel Caves Hotel

Maribel, Wisconsin

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Wisconsin

Wisconsin

United States

Places 182
Stories 29

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