CHAMPION, Wis. (WBAY) – On Saturday, 10,000 people walked from St. Norbert College in De Pere to the National Shrine of Our Lady in Champion.
The 22-mile pilgrimage happens every year for the faithful to show their devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
But for one family, it was about showing gratitude for both prayers and miracles they say they received in the wake of their son’s traumatic brain injury.
The Walk To Mary is for the faithful from around the world.
“We have groups from Mexico, Trinidad, Brazil, and Poland. We have almost every state represented. Less than 50% of the people here to walk are from the state of Wisconsin,” said John Paul Brissette, the director of communications for The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.
Thousands made the more than 20-mile trek from St. Norbert College in De Pere to The National Shrine of Our Lady in Champion, the first and only U.S. Marian apparition site approved by the catholic church.
“The message that our lady gave here was to gather the children and teach them the faith. That’s what she instructed servant of God, Adelle Brice, to do,” said Brissette.
A shorter 1.7-mile walk allows families to do just that.
“You see so many families pushing strollers with four or five kids in it as they walk together and can still be a part of this really amazing event,” said Brissette.
Families like the Jedwabnies.
Their son Brett suffered a traumatic brain injury nearly two years ago.
On Saturday, they led the Walk To Mary for children and their families.
“Our faith community has just stayed on top of us and praying for us,” said Brett’s father, Tyler. The Jedwabny family says Brett’s recovery has been nothing short of a miracle. Miracles, they say, that still happen to this day, which is why they felt called to lead today’s walk and lead others in faith.
“On the second night, as we were in the hospital and told he had 24 hours to go, a group at St. Pius, where my wife has taught and Brett went to school, got together and prayed the rosary as our faith community,” said Tyler Jedwabny.
Brett survived those 24 hours and beyond.
“Right in the chart, it says no medical explanation. I think we can rest assured we know why,” said Tyler.
On Saturday, Brett further demonstrated his family’s faith and perseverance as he stood from his wheelchair, walking the final steps to finish.
“He’s stronger than anyone I know. He strengthens me to not have a bad day,” said Tyler.
Strength the family carries as their journey continues.