The 12th annual Walk to Mary pilgrimage will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, offering pilgrims a 22-mile spiritual journey from the National Shrine of St. Joseph in De Pere to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Champion, Wisconsin — the only Vatican-approved Marian apparition site in the United States of America.
More than 6,000 pilgrims from around the U.S. are expected at this fantastic event for individuals, parishes, and schools.
This year's pilgrimage holds special significance as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, with the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion designated as an official Jubilee Pilgrimage Site where pilgrims can receive a Jubilee Plenary Indulgence.
The pilgrimage offers several join-in points along the route at the 14-, 7-, and 1.7-mile marks, making it accessible to pilgrims of all ages and physical abilities. The 1.7 mile segment is designated as the Walk with Children and pilgrims participating in it are invited to attend a 12:30 p.m. CST Children’s Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion immediately before the walk.
An award-winning pilgrimage
Recently recognized as Discover Green Bay's 2024 Event of the Year, the Walk to Mary continues to grow in popularity and impact. Bishop Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay said, “This recognition highlights the profound impact and witness the Walk to Mary has on the Green Bay community and beyond.”
Kendra Tierney Norton of Catholic All Year attended last year's pilgrimage. She said:
Last year was the first I’d heard of the Walk to Mary. I loved the idea of a serious and challenging pilgrimage that could be accomplished in a single day, and I especially loved that it would end at the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. I had visited Marian apparition sites all over the world, but had never been to the one here in America!
My husband, his sister, and I really loved the whole experience. It was well organized, well supported, and had a perfect mix of fun and reverence. It was hard but doable. I’d love to come back and do it again with more of the family!
Another participant, Lanie Lagman, shared her inspiring story:
We support and join the Walk to Mary in praise, worship and thanksgiving for Our Lady with the many prayers that she interceded for us to God, favors she granted and the miracle that she had given me by healing the complications of CSF leak (brain fluid leak) of my brain tumor surgery. We have felt Our Lady's presence numerous times. This walk is to me is an offering of joy, love, mercy and self-sacrifice for all favors to be asked and those that have been granted.
John Kuiken, who volunteers at the National Shrine with his wife Jody, encourages everyone to participate:
The first Saturday in May should be on everyone’s calendar. On that day, thousands of people, young and old, single people, couples and families both large and small take a very special journey between the National Shrine of St. Joseph which dates back to 1888, 22 miles to the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.
Jody and I walked the entire route twice in the early years and were deeply touched by the joy and camaraderie every pilgrim experiences through the prayer, confessions, Masses and conversations throughout the day. The joy on everyone’s faces is a clear indication that Mary is watching over all her children.
In recent years, we have been among the hundreds of volunteers along the entire path to make this day a memorable one for all who participate. Everything from water, food, and restroom facilities are provided to make the day a beautiful experience for all. People from almost every state in the nation attend each year and you can be one of them.
Extra events this year
This year, other weekend activities were planned around the Walk to Mary, although most are sold out already. Singles Buffet dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings, organized by Catholic Singles Newsletter, were planned to help single Catholics connect with others who share their faith and values. There is also a Relevant Radio Evening Celebration with Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, May 2, and a sacred music concert titled “Sing to Mary” at the Green Bay Cathedral. You can see all the planned events here.
All single people attending are asked to complete this registration form to connect with other participating singles. The form will be used to organize the group for the start of the walk, helping foster connections and conversation during and after the pilgrimage.
You can find more information at The Catholic Singles Newsletter, which hosts nightly Zoom Rosaries, monthly Catholic Speakers via Zoom and other pilgrimages and trips throughout the year.
It’s not too late to sign up for the Walk to Mary, an experience sure to bring spiritual renewal and faith encouragement. We would love to see your pictures if you attend!
