A life-sized statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe is making a stop at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion on its international tour, March 6, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
CHAMPION, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A life-sized statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe is making a stop in Northeast Wisconsin on its international tour.
The statue, which is based at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, is traveling to sites all around the world ahead of the 500th anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s appearances to St. Juan Diego in Mexico.
The exhibit will be on display at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion through Tuesday. David Ricken, bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, celebrated an opening mass Friday.
“The visit carries special significance, as the 1531 apparitions in Mexico and the 1859 apparitions to Servant of God Adele Brice in Champion, Wisconsin are the only Marian apparitions in North America officially recognized by the Catholic Church,” a news release states.
Each day that the statue is in Champion, there will be one-hour time slots called the “Pilgrim Experience” which will include a brief presentation on Our Lady of Guadalupe and opportunities for prayer and devotion. Visitors can also submit prayer intentions to be delivered to the Basilica in Mexico City — a special opportunity for those who cannot travel to Mexico City themselves.
“We expect thousands of pilgrims to come and visit this. It’s really a historic connection and a historic moment. Everybody loves Our Lady of Guadalupe. Even if you’re not Catholic, you’ve probably seen a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe,” said John Paul Brissette, director of communications for the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. “So, this is just a beautiful way to connect Mexico City’s Basilica with us here in Champion.”
Click here for the full schedule and event details.
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