By Sam Lucero
In the Diocese of Green Bay, attendees of the upcoming National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will experience the newly renovated Apparition Chapel at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. This visit is scheduled during the pilgrimage’s Marian Route stop from June 12 to 19.
As the Eucharistic Pilgrimage progresses, having started on May 18-19, with groups traversing on foot towards the July 17-21 National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, the route includes the shrine in Champion, reputed for the 1859 Marian apparition to Adele Brise.
The Apparition Chapel, originally constructed in 1942, has undergone significant renovations this past January and February. Upgrades include new ceramic tile flooring, refinished pews, a modern sound system, and the construction of new liturgical furniture such as an ambo, Communion rail, credence table, and altar.
On March 2, these updates were formally recognized during an altar dedication rite led by Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay.
The refurbished wooden altar, in keeping with the chapel’s design and replacing a marble predecessor, complements the theme of simplicity emphasized by Don Warden, the shrine’s COO. Bishop Ricken emphasizes that the focus remains on Eucharistic and Marian devotion.
Visitors can also see the Apparition Oratory beneath the Apparition Chapel, the site of the Marian vision.
The shrine expects an influx of visitors for the festivities, including a special Mass by Bishop Ricken and a Eucharistic rosary procession, according to Communications Director Chelsey Hare.
Maria Benes, overseeing the Marian Route, shares that a group of “Perpetual Pilgrims” will journey the entirety of the route from Bemidji, Minnesota, to Indianapolis.
Pilgrims will engage in prayer and adoration at various locales before reaching the National Eucharistic Congress.
The route is detailed at eucharisticpilgrimage.org/marian-route for those interested.
The pilgrimage includes walking from the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross motherhouse to the shrine and concludes with Bishop Ricken celebrating Mass with Milwaukee Archbishop Listecki in Kiel, Wisconsin.
The involvement in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is deemed a blessing by Warden, as he implies Mary’s guiding hand in returning people to her son amidst worldly and spiritual challenges.
Benes describes her role as deeply fulfilling and anticipates the event will bring healing, especially in an election year.
Sam Lucero is a correspondent for OSV News in Wisconsin.
FAQ about the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Visit to the Renovated Apparition Chapel
Q: What is the significance of the Apparition Chapel at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion?
A: The Apparition Chapel is significant as the site of the Blessed Mother’s appearance to Adele Brise in 1859. It is a place of devotion for many Catholics.
Q: What renovations were made to the Apparition Chapel?
A: Renovations included the installation of ceramic tile flooring, pew restoration, a new sound system, and new liturgical furnishings such as an altar and Communion rail.
Q: When will the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage attendees visit the chapel?
A: Visitors will stop at the chapel from June 12 to 19, during the Marian Route of the pilgrimage.
Q: Who is participating in the entirety of the Marian Route?
A: The “Perpetual Pilgrims,” a group consisting of six lay young adults, two seminarians, and priest-chaplains, will walk the entire Marian Route to the Eucharistic Congress.
Q: Where can I find more information about the Marian Route?
A: Detailed information about the Marian Route is available at eucharisticpilgrimage.org/marian-route.
Conclusion
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s visit to the beautifully renovated Apparition Chapel at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion promises to be a highlight for participants. The chapel, an already revered site due to the Marian apparition, now features a host of enhancements that elevate the liturgical experience and pay homage to the event’s dual focus on the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother. As pilgrims traverse the Marian Route, their eventual arrival and participation in the activities at the shrine will undoubtedly provide a spiritually enriching encounter amidst the broader journey toward the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.