CHAMPION, Wis. (OSV News) — They walked over bridges and along rivers. They walked through cities and across farmland. They walked past apartments and colleges as frost dusted the morning grass. It was May 2, and the annual 22-mile Walk to Mary pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion was underway. Since 2013, with an inaugural group of about 500, the pilgrimage has grown to nearly 10,000 people of all ages, from 47 states, Canada, Trinidad, Mexico, Poland and Brazil. More than half of this year’s participants came from outside Wisconsin. Starts at St. Norbert College in De Pere The walk sets off the first Saturday of May from the National Shrine of St. Joseph on the grounds of St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. “We bring the Holy Family together, by starting
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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
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A record number of pilgrims are set to participate in the annual “Walk to Mary,” a 22-mile pilgrimage in Wisconsin known as “America’s mini-Camino.” The journey ends at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, the first and only Marian apparition site in the United States. The pilgrimage aims to support Catholic education and teach the faith to children. Alongside the main route, organizers also host a shorter version called the “Walk with the Children,” designed for families and younger participants. Don Warden, COO of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, and Tyler Jedwabny, father of the family leading the “Walk with the Children,” discuss how the “Walk to Mary” pilgrimage came about, what the preparation has been like, and some of the highlights along the 22-mile walk.

Can a four-year-old walk 22 miles for the Blessed Mother? Kym Allex joins us to share how her family is preparing for their 10th "Walk to Mary" pilgrimage in Wisconsin. From a humble family walk to a "giant family reunion" of over 10,000 people, the Walk to Mary has become a massive spiritual movement. Kym Allex discusses the logistics of trekking 22 miles from Old St. Joseph's to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion—the only Vatican-approved Marian apparition site in the United States. Discover the graces received along the route, the excitement surrounding the recently opened sainthood cause for Servant of God Adele Brice, and practical tips for parents (including the "wagon strategy"!). Whether you’re a seasoned pilgrim or looking for your first family faith adventure, this interview is packed with inspiration
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