FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Faith and History Unite: Catholic Saints of America Exhibit and Novena July 1-9 Honor U.S. 250th Anniversary
First-of-its-kind Carlo Acutis-inspired exhibit will honor the holy men and women of America’s Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God
CHAMPION, WISCONSIN (April 22, 2026) – To celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States, 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. 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 our faith and serve as powerful examples of Christian virtue.
The Shrine is also encouraging the faithful to join together and pray a special Novena for Our Nation written by the Rector, Fr. Anthony Stephens, CPM, dedicated to praying for the United States, seeking Our Lady’s intercession for unity, holiness, and renewal across our land.
This spiritual initiative invites all pilgrims to join in prayer for our country, to draw inspiration from those who have gone before us, and to renew our commitment to living lives of holiness – igniting a new generation of saints for America,” said Fr. Stephens, CPM.
The Shrine has contacted each of the over 70 Shrine or Guilds for the Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God in the United States to invite them to participate. Most have responded, and the Shrine is working in collaboration with each to highlight their causes and devotions either by sending representatives to the event or helping to create their display.
As of April, those who have confirmed they will be onsite with representatives include: Saint Damien of Molokai, Saint Francis Xaiver Cabrini, Blessed James Miller, Blessed Stanley Rother, Venerable Bishop Baraga, Venerable Mother Maria Kaupas, Servant of God Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur, Servant of God Father Joseph Walijewski, Servant of God Father Vincent Capodanno, Servant of God Brother Marinus, Servant of God Adele Brice, Servant of God Charlene Marie Richard, Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk, Servant of God Ida Peterfy, Servant of God Rhoda Wise, Servants of God Shreveport Martyrs.
In addition, 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 the National Shrine of St. John Neumann, the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and the Cabrini Shrine in Colorado.
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.
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.
The afternoon will include guest speakers representing sainthood Causes and catechetical presentations, continuing the mission Our Lady entrusted to Adele to teach the faith and lead souls to salvation.
Inspired by St. Carlo Acutis and guided by Our Lady of Champion’s mission to teach the children, the event will appeal to people of all ages. A history scavenger hunt and other interactive activities designed especially for families will provide opportunities for them to learn and participate together.
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 and additional exhibit details are at championshrine.org/AmericanSaints.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion Press Kit includes the logo for the event and several photos of the Shrine.
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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.