From May 1 through the end of October, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion is undertaking the Shepherd Project, to pray for a bishop across America each day to the Blessed Mother. They will pray for Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., on May 23. In addition, a perpetual candle will be lit in the Shrine’s Apparition Oratory on behalf of the bishops.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, near Champion, Wisconsin, is the first and only approved Marian apparition site in the United States. Established in 1861, it was previously known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help and included a chapel, convent and school. They have established Oct. 9 as their day of solemnity.
The Eucharistic Procession will process through the shrine’s grounds on June 17 as part of the Northern Marian Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. About 200,000 visitors each year are welcomed in group and individual pilgrimages.