FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrated Through Catholic Saints Exhibit and National Novena
July 1-9 event includes displays and presentations representing the 76 Shrines and Guilds for the U.S. Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God, honoring our nation’s birth in 1776

CHAMPION, WISCONSIN (June 1, 2026) – The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion – the first and only approved Marian apparition site in the U.S. – is hosting the Catholic Saints of America exhibit July 1-9, 2026, to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. This first-of-its-kind Carlo Acutis-inspired exhibit will honor the holy men and women of America, Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God, who have shaped the nation’s faith and offer inspiring models of Christian virtue.

Rector, Fr. Anthony Stephens, CPM, wrote the Novena for Our Nation which starts July 1 and is dedicated to praying for the United States, seeking Our Lady’s intercession for unity, holiness, and renewal across our land. Over 50,000 novena prayer cards have been shared to join in prayer for our country and help inspire a new generation of saints for America. Join and sign up at championshrine.org/AmericanSaints. 

The Shrine has worked with the 76 Shrines or Guilds for the Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God in the United States to develop this event. Many Shrines, Guilds, and causes are sending representatives to the event to offer resources or to speak. Aligned with the message Our Lady of Champion gave to Servant of God Adele Brice to teach the children what they need to know for salvation, guest speakers will host inspiring sessions and catechetical presentations.

As of early June, nearly 30 have confirmed they will be onsite with representatives from 10 am – 4 pm daily, including: St. Damien of Molokai, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, St. Theodore Guerin, Ven. Bishop Baraga, Ven. Father Aloysius Schwartz, Ven. Father Augustine Tolton, Ven. Father Emil Kapaun, Ven. Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., Ven. Mary Angeline Teresa, Ven. Mother Maria Kaupas, Bl. Brother James Miller, FSC, Bl. Michael McGivney, Bl. Solanus Casey, Bl. Stanley Rother, S.D. Adele Brice, S.D. Auguste Robert Pelafigue, S.D. Brother Marinus, S.D. Charlene Richards, S.D. Nicholas Black Elk, S.D. Simon Bruté, S.D. Sister Annella Zervas, S.D. Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur, S.D. Father Joseph Walijewski, S.D. Father Vincent Capodanno, S.D. Rhoda Wise, S.D. Shreveport Martyrs, S.D. Sister Ida Peterfy, and more. Representatives will vary daily. See schedule at championshrine.org/AmericanSaints. 

Some Shrines are generously entrusting relics of their Saints to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, allowing pilgrims a unique opportunity to venerate these holy men and women. So far, those include St. Damien de Veuster, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, St. John Neumann, St. Kateri Tekakwitha,  Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos, Bl. James Miller, Bl. Michael J. McGivney, Bl. Solanus Casey, and Bl. Stanley Rother.

Green Bay Bishop David L. Ricken declared earlier this year that Servant of God Adele Brice, the Visionary of Our Lady of Champion, is on her path to Sainthood. The Mass on Sunday, July 5, at 11:30 a.m. CST, will mark the 130th anniversary of Adele’s death and will be concelebrated with the Shrine Rector, Fr. Anthony Stephens, CPM, and Fr. Benoy Joseph, OFM Cap., who is currently ministering at the Solanus Center in Detroit.

Following the Mass, representatives from many of the Causes and Guilds will be present in The Shrine’s courtyard, hosting exhibits and meeting visitors who will enjoy an all-American picnic served by the local Knights of Columbus Assembly 1197.

A history scavenger hunt and other interactive activities for families will inspire, educate and bring them together to strive toward Sainthood.

Novena for Our Nation, written by Fr. Anthony Stephens, CPM, Shrine Rector

Heavenly Father, you have bestowed grace and abundance on these United States of America during our 250 years as a nation. You gave us the Immaculate Conception as our patroness and protector. We thank you for the many blessings you have showered upon these lands and people. 

Have mercy on us for the sins and transgressions we have committed, individually and as a nation. May we not misuse the gift of freedom to do what is sinful or licentious, but may we use our God-given freedom to pursue truth and draw people closer to knowing and loving you. 

Continue to bless this nation and its citizens. We ask the Sacred Heart of Jesus for mercy and the great example of how to love. We beseech your blessings on your sons and daughters of this great nation. 

O Mary, The Immaculate Conception, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us! Our Lady of Champion, pray for us! 

The Novena for Our Nation prayer card in English and Spanish, additional exhibit details, and an up-to-date list of Causes and Guilds represented onsite are at championshrine.org/AmericanSaints. 

The Catholic Saints of America Press Kit includes the logo for the event and other resources.

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About the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion
Located in Champion, Wisconsin, The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion is the first and only Marian Apparition Site in the United States approved by the authority of the Catholic Church. The Shrine covers the peace-filled holy ground where Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared to a Belgian immigrant woman named Adele Brice on October 9, 1859, identifying herself as “The Queen of Heaven who prays for the conversion of sinners.” Recognized under the title of “Our Lady of Good Help” before 2023, The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion continues the mission of Servant of God Adele Brice – to foster conversion, teach the children, and minister to the sick and old.

For more information on The Shrine, its history, and events, visit championshrine.org or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.