The Federal Association's First Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Help

Did you know that on December 8, 2010, Bishop David Ricken approved as “worthy of belief” the appearance of Mary at the Marion Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help (OLOGH) near Green Bay, Wisconsin?  This is the only site in the United States where an appearance of Mary has been officially approved by the Catholic Church. Collins Whitfield, Wayne Ruth, Taffy and Les Hewitt, and Bob and Kate Signorelli organized the first pilgrimage to OLOGH for the Order on the anniversaries of the apparition and a second miracle known as the Peshtigo Fire.

While not well chronicled, there have been many miracles at the shrine, as evidenced by the wall of crutches displayed in the crypt of Mary. In recent years, a young boy was cured of leukemia, a young girl, fed only by a feeding tube, was miraculously cured, and hearing was restored to a man. Undoubtedly, the miraculous presence of Mary brings the healing hand of God to this holy place.

The pilgrimage was attended by 42 Members of the Order, volunteers, and Malades. On arrival, Mass was held at the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier. On Wednesday morning, we traveled to the beautiful but simple church at the shrine, where after Reconciliation and Mass, we prayed in the presence of Mary. In the afternoon, we visited the charming St. Norbert Abbey, where Prior Jim Braniak presided over the Anointing of the Sick at the abbey’s Shrine of St. Joseph. Father Braniak then gave us a wonderful tour of the Chapel of St. Norbert, and some of its lovely rooms. That evening, we returned to the shrine to be part of a beautiful candlelight Rosary Procession and Adoration led by Bishop Ricken. We returned the next morning for Mass presided over by the bishop, who then gave us a closing Benediction and special blessing for our pilgrimage.

We believe that not only the Federal Association, but our brothers and sisters in the American and Western Associations will ultimately join this wonderful pilgrimage, which will surely appeal to those Knight and Dames as well as Malades who seek Mary’s refuge and the healing blessings of our Lord right here in America.