Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Chelsey Hare, director of communications for the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, discussed the first and only approved Marian apparition site in the United States in a recent interview with Corbin Hubbell, social media coordinator for the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln. The following is an edited transcript of their conversation.

Corbin Hubbell, Southern Nebraska Register: Tell us about Our Lady of Champion and her apparition to Adele.

Chelsey Hare: This happened in 1859. Adele was walking through the rugged woods of northeastern Wisconsin when she saw the Blessed Virgin Mary three times. She was walking to the grist mill to help provide for her family when she first saw this mysterious woman. The second and third time, she was on her way to Mass when she saw the Blessed Virgin. When she was coming home after receiving the Holy Eucharist, being advised by her priest to ask in God’s name, [she asked] “who are you and what do you want of me?”

That third time, our Blessed Mother introduced herself as the Queen of Heaven, who prays for the conversion of sinners and asked Adele to do the same. They had a longer message than that. But in terms of what it can break down to Our Lady of Champion, she asked that we offer our Communion for the conversion of others… knowing the power of the sacraments. And she asked Adele specifically to go into this wild country and teach children what they should know for salvation, especially the sign of the cross, Catechism, how to approach and receive their first holy Communion, and how to approach sacraments in general.

That was the heart of Our Lady’s message to Adele; it was very catechetical. It happened in Champion, Wisconsin – farmland country with a small and humble space. But it’s where Our Lady comes and meets us; you can feel her presence at this site. It was investigated in 2010 and approved by the Bishop of Green Bay Diocese. We’re grateful for sharing this message that Our Lady is here for us in America.

SNR: You mentioned it was approved by the bishop. How do Marian apparitions get approved generally? Is there a process?

Hare: Yes, there’s a recent update with newly investigated apparitions' processes from Pope Francis's new document breaking down these steps. Before that document, local bishops had powers to approve investigations.

When it was investigated in 2010, a large group comprising Maryologists and theologians rigorously examined these apparitions.… After compiling all findings through prayer and discernment [found] that this place has supernatural character worthy of belief by Christian faithful. With all Marian apparitions, it's not obligatory for Catholics; it's private devotion growing appreciation towards our Lord—true devotion bringing us back towards Jesus.

SNR: Tell us about The Shepherd Project encouraging people praying for bishops.

Hare: The Shepherd Project started from National Shrine two years ago because bishops need prayers more than ever; families are under attack more than ever.... From May through October daily prayers include each bishop by name starting from Wisconsin then emanating across U.S., each diocese/bishop included within Mass intentions every day alongside perpetual candle lit inside apparition oratory—a sacred space encountering Our Lady.… Response has been incredible nationwide praying daily each bishop individually.

SNR: What advice would you give those making spiritual pilgrimages?

Hare: Factors determining “Should I make spiritual pilgrimage?” include keeping intentions close at heart—what specific prayers do you have? How will Lord guide you? Receiving sacraments during pilgrimage essential—daily confession/Mass available ensuring receptivity towards received graces maintaining clean conscience receiving Lord/Blessed Sacrament always recommended considering visiting shrine/spiritual sites feeling outer worldly peace uniquely felt at holy sites like shrine understanding entering holy grounds allowing silence facilitating peaceful reception crucial.

SNR: Where can people learn more about Shrine?

Hare: Information available on championshrine.org covering story behind Our Lady/Champion alongside planning/preparing heart pilgrimages details/social media platforms @championshrine across major platforms including Facebook/Instagram encouraging visits encountering presence Our Lady/Champion onsite.

Editor’s note: The solemnity celebrating Our Lady/Champion first-time observance scheduled Oct 9th annually henceforth.