When Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay opened Adele Brice’s cause for sainthood earlier this year, his announcement certainly contributed to a record-breaking number of registrants for the Walk to Mary Pilgrimage, with over 10,000 pilgrims walking from around the world. Adele Brice was the visionary of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin, the first and only approved Marian apparition site in the U.S., and the destination site for the Walk to Mary.
Pilgrims were also excited about the starting point of the 22-mile Walk: the National Shrine of St. Joseph in De Pere, WI.
“We know of no other event in the world that starts and ends at a Shrine,” say longtime volunteers for the Walk, Jody and John Kuiken. “The energy and camaraderie of thousands there for Mary is exciting and contagious. You could write a book about the people, their stories of healing and hope attributed to Our Lady.”
For Meghan and Jason Sheehan from Maryland, this Walk represents Our Lady’s presence with them during infertility. In 2021, Meghan was diagnosed with a condition that made it difficult to conceive. After many novenas and prayers throughout the years, they joined the Walk in May 2024 in petition to Our Lady. To their disappointment, no pregnancy occurred after the Walk, yet they persevered in prayer. In November of 2025, they finally conceived.
“We’re attending the Walk to Mary this year to give thanks to Our Lady for her prayers and to give witness for the true gift she is from Our Savior!” says Meghan.
Kym Allex and her husband, Preston, from Barrington, IL, participated in the Walk to Mary for the first time 10 years ago with their six children. Over the years, they’ve completed various distances: the 1.7, 7, and 14-mile options. When two of their now eight children expressed interest in the entire 22-mile trek to commemorate their 10th year of the Walk, their wish became the family’s 2026 goal. This year, five of their eight children completed the entire Walk. Kym’s 4-year-old carried 120 mini Mary figurines and passed them out to encourage pilgrims when endurance and stamina appeared low.
“As we prepare for the historic consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June 2026, during the 250th anniversary of the United States, this pilgrimage takes on even deeper meaning,” said Rev. Francis Joseph Hoffman, a founder of the Walk to Mary and CEO of Relevant Radio. “It is an opportunity for Catholics to pray, offer sacrifice, and entrust our country, our families, and our future to the merciful love of Christ. Every step we take together becomes a prayer for renewal in our Church and our nation.”
Perhaps this pilgrimage’s draw is best articulated on the WalktoMary.com site: We walk to her because she calls us.
Set annually for the first Saturday of May each year, the next Walk to Mary will be on May 1, 2027. Registration for next year’s pilgrimage is open at WalktoMary.com. Pilgrims are encouraged to register early.
Additionally, the Shrine’s events this year include this summer’s Catholic Saints of America exhibit and Novena for Our Nation, July 1-9, championshrine.org/AmericanSaints.
Image: Meghan and Jason Sheehan: At 2026 Easter Vigil with ultrasound, during this year’s Walk, and at the Finish this year.
Books About Mary
The Story of Sister Adele and Our Lady of Champion
Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion
Our Lady of Champion: Prayer Book for Pilgrims
True Devotion to Mary: with Preparation for Total Consecration
Mary-Virgin, Mother, and Queen: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics
The Life of Mary As Seen By the Mystics
33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Marian Consecration
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah
Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross
Behold Your Mother: A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian Doctrines
