CHAMPION, WI (WTAQ) – The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay making a special announcement Monday morning in Champion.
Green Bay Bishop David Ricken announced the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help has received a national designation by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
“Today’s announcement is a testament and an honor to all of those who have come before us.”
For a shrine to receive a national designation it must first be recognized as a diocesan shrine, which occurred in 2010.
The announcement was made at a news conference at the holy place prior to the Mass celebrating the Solemnity of the Assumption.
Shrine operations manager, Walt Fountain, says the Shrine’s new title is very special.
“This is just a beautiful recognition by all the bishops in the United States. They’ve come together to recognize this special place and as we’ve talked, a peaceful place for people to come and pray.”
130,000 pilgrims are expected to visit the holy place this year and with the new designation there will be hundreds of thousands more in years to come.
Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau president and CEO, Brad Toll, says he’s excited for what this will mean for tourism to the area.
“Certainly with a positive experience, they’ll go home and tell friends and relatives what a wonderful place this is and that will lead to more pilgrims coming this direction.
Read more about the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help at www.shrineofourladyofgoodhelp.com.
