Pilgrimage - Register by September 1st!
On Tuesday, October 6th, we will head by bus to Champion, WI to enjoy a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Champion. The apparition of Our Lady to Adele Brise, a 28-year-old Belgian immigrant, was formally recognized by the Catholic Church on December 8, 2010. The Lady in White appeared to Adele first on October 9, 1859. Our Lady’s message was to pray for the conversion of sinners and to teach the children their catechism and prepare them for the sacraments.
The notable miracle was the Peshtigo Fire in 1871. During the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history, the church grounds remained untouched while surrounding areas were destroyed. Pilgrims praying with Adele processed around the chapel and the fire stopped at the church’s fence.
The cost for the pilgrimage is $111 which includes lunch. If you choose to purchase dinner, it is $11 for a boxed meal. You can decide if you would like to purchase a boxed meal to eat on the bus on the way home or bring your own.
The deadline for reservations is August 15th, and the last day to pay for the trip is September 1st. There will be no refunds. Call the office today and make your reservation for this exciting, spirit-filled trip.
You can also CLICK HERE to download the registration form in advance. Please drop off all registrations and payments at the parish office.
Itinerary for October 6, 2026:
5:30 a.m. - Arrive at SouthPark Mall by Dillard’s.
6:00 a.m. - Bus leaves
11:30 a.m. - Arrival at Our Lady of Champion
12:00 p.m. - Private Mass in Mother Mercy Hall by Father Mark DeSutter
1:00 p.m. - Lunch
1:30 p.m. - Your time to explore: Adoration, Oratory, Rosary Path, History Center and Gift Shop
3:00 p.m. - Divine Mercy Chaplet
3:30 p.m. - Depart for Home
9:00 p.m. - Estimated arrival time in Moline
No stops, but there is a bathroom on the bus.
Learn More in Champions of the Rosary
Interested in possibly going on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Champion this fall, but would like to know more about it? You’re in luck!
Blessings Gift Shop is selling a children’s book all about it!
Champions of the Rosary by Laurie J. Schmitt:
In 1859, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a young woman named Adele Brise. Mary gave Adele a special mission: “To gather the children to the wild country to teach them what they needed to know for their salvation.” A chapel was built in honor of Our Lady of Good Help in the place where she appeared.
What will become of the chapel of Our Lady of Good Help? Will the children overcome their fear to reach safety? Champions of the Rosary is an exciting, inspiring story based on real-life events that will remind readers of the miraculous power of the Rosary.
The book is recommended for ages 10 and up. (Summary courtesy of Veritatis Publishing)