Our Lady of Champion Pilgrimage 2026

Earlier this month, 180 members and friends of the three U.S. associations of the Order of Malta, traveled to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion outside Green Bay, Wisconsin. This was the 13th annual pilgrimage to the only Church-recognized Marian apparition site in the United States.

The pilgrimage is structured as a three-day retreat with talks focusing on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and delivered by chaplains of the three associations. The days were filled with spiritual exercises, including a Rosary procession, daily Mass, the sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, a Eucharistic procession, and Adoration.

Pilgrims enjoyed the camaraderie of meeting fellow members from across all three U.S. associations with time at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion and an afternoon at the National Shrine of St. Joseph nearby. An additional reflection on the Sacred Heart was offered each evening after dinner and followed by night prayer. This is a unique event bringing together members in a tri-association pilgrimage as one group and led by a tri-association committee.

Our Lady appeared in 1859 to Adele Brice and presented herself as the Queen of Heaven. She instructed Adele to teach the children what they needed to know for their salvation. When Adele asked, “How can I do that, dear lady?”  She answered, “Go and fear nothing, I will help you.”  This message of help has reinforced pilgrims’ views over the past century and a half of this holy, spiritual, and peaceful place.

A cause for the canonization of Adele Brice was opened by the Vatican this year. Geen Bay Bishop David Ricken, who declared this apparition site worthy of belief, announced the cause for the visionary Adele.

Bishop Ricken was a featured guest at dinner, and reflected on the work of Adele, the impact of Our Lady, and the importance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the consecration of the United States on its 250th anniversary. The Federal Association had the lead responsibility this year with Msgr. James Watkins as principal chaplain, and members Peter Scudner GCM and Charles Mifsud KMOb serving as pilgrimage co-chairs.

Save the dates: August 5-8, 2027 for the 14^th annual pilgrimage.

Click here for photos of the 2026 Pilgrimage, taken by Western Association member, Keith Farley, KM.