By Champion Shrine Staff

Pilgrimage is one of the Church’s most ancient and meaningful traditions—a sacred journey that reflects our deeper spiritual longing for God. Whether walking ancient roads or traveling to modern-day shrines, pilgrims leave behind the routine of daily life to step into a space of grace, prayer, and encounter. At the heart of every pilgrimage is the hope of drawing closer to Christ and responding to His call with renewed faith.

What is a Pilgrimage?

In the Catholic tradition, a pilgrimage is more than a journey to a sacred place—it’s a spiritual act of devotion and a response to God’s call. Pilgrimages involve traveling to a holy site with the intention of growing closer to Christ, seeking spiritual renewal, healing, or guidance. Unlike a typical vacation, a pilgrimage is marked by prayer, sacrifice, and an openness to grace.

What is the Goal of Pilgrimage?

The ultimate goal of any pilgrimage is encounter. Pilgrims set out with hearts open to meeting Christ in a profound way. Whether through prayer, the sacraments, sacred art, or the natural beauty of a holy site, the journey itself becomes an instrument of transformation. As Pope Benedict XVI once said, “To go on pilgrimage is not simply to visit a place to admire its treasures of nature, art or history. To go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God.”

What Does It Mean to Be a Pilgrim?

To be a pilgrim is to embrace a posture of humility and trust. A pilgrim understands that life itself is a journey toward our ultimate home in heaven. The physical act of pilgrimage mirrors our spiritual journey: It can be long and challenging and requires endurance, but it also offers moments of beauty, grace, and profound connection. Pilgrims are not tourists; they are seekers of grace.

The History of Christians Making Pilgrimages

From the earliest days of the Church, Christians have embarked on pilgrimages. After the Resurrection, believers traveled to Jerusalem to walk where Jesus walked. Over the centuries, major pilgrimage destinations like Rome, Camino De Santiago, Lourdes, and Fatima emerged. These journeys have always served as moments of conversion and deeper communion with God. In the United States, one of the growing pilgrimage destinations is the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin—the only approved Marian apparition site in the country.

What Do People Do on Pilgrimage?

At holy sites like the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, pilgrims pray, attend Mass, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and participate in Eucharistic Adoration. Many bring personal intentions to lay before Our Lady, light candles, walk the Stations of the Cross, and visit the Apparition Chapel where the Blessed Mother appeared to Adele Brise in 1859. Pilgrims often experience a sense of peace, clarity, and renewal as they spend time in prayer and reflection.

The Significance of Walking Pilgrimages

Walking pilgrimages have a unique power to unite body and soul in the act of prayer. The physical effort involved can be an offering of sacrifice and a form of penance, deepening the spiritual impact of the journey. One beautiful example is the Walk to Mary, an annual walking pilgrimage that begins at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in De Pere, Wisconsin, and ends at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. Held every first Saturday in May, Walk to Mary covers 22 miles and draws thousands of pilgrims from around the country. As the organizers of Walk to Mary explain, the journey is “a physical and spiritual path of grace” (walktomary.org).

Plan Your Pilgrimage to Champion Shrine

Whether you’re seeking healing, discernment, or simply a deeper connection with Christ, we warmly invite you to consider making a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. Come alone, with your family, or as part of a group. Join an organized event like Walk to Mary or plan your own prayerful visit. In this sacred place where Our Lady once said, “Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation,” you’ll find peace, hope, and renewed purpose.

Start planning your pilgrimage today at ChampionShrine.org/visit.