All three United States Associations of the Order of Malta joined together in early August for the annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion near Green Bay, WI. This was the 10^th annual pilgrimage to the Shrine site for the Western Association.  We had a record number of 44 pilgrims from the Western Association join us, contributing to a total of approximately 180 pilgrims from across the three associations.

This year’s pilgrimage theme “Take Heart, the Sacred Heart of Jesus” was chosen to coincide with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops consecrating the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in honor of the 250^th birthday of the country.  The opening reflection Thursday afternoon by head chaplain of pilgrimage, Msgr. James Watkins of the Federal Association introduced the theme and the chaplains from each Association presented reflections on aspects of the theme over the course of the three-day pilgrimage. In addition, the theme was woven throughout the daily Mass homilies.  Pilgrims were encouraged to think of this pilgrimage as a retreat, with a special focus on caring for ourselves spiritually and nurturing our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The first Mass of the pilgrimage on Thursday was celebrated at the beautiful St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in downtown Green Bay, a short walk from the hotel.  We were graced with moving and prayerful music at this Mass and all the subsequent pilgrimage Masses, led by a professional quartet from the Chicago area.

Friday morning’s Mass was celebrated in the Apparition Chapel at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, followed by confessions, a reflection by our own, Fr. Dorian Llwelyn, S.J., and lunch. On Friday afternoon we visited the National Shrine of St. Joseph at St. Norbert’s College. Our time there included a Eucharistic procession through the beautiful campus, including sacred music and the litany of St. Joseph. A moving Eucharistic healing service in the St. Joseph Chapel followed, which involved processing with Our Lord in the monstrance among the pilgrims, and benediction.

Back by popular demand, Friday prior to dinner, a Ministry Fair was held as a reception with nine different Order of Malta ministries represented from the Tri-Associations, including all three of our free medical clinics in California. Wisconsin favorites: cheese curds and local beers were served.

Saturday the day was spent at the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, beginning with a Rosary procession around the beautiful grounds, recalling the Miracle of the Fire (the Great Peshtigo Fire) on the night of October 8^th, 1871, followed by Mass and Anointing of the Sick, celebrated by our own, Fr. Tom Enneking, OSC. After lunch, in addition to another reflection on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, there was time to visit the Apparition Oratory, the Museum, pray the outdoor stations of the cross, talk with a priest for spiritual direction or walk and pray on the grounds. We concluded our day at the Shrine with a Vigil Mass celebrated by Fr. Dorian Llywelyn, for those traveling on Sunday.

A special grace of this pilgrimage was that Members of the three Associations had time to meet each other, pray together, and socialize, making this a truly Tri-Association event.

Please mark your calendars now and plan to join us next year for the Our Lady of Champion Pilgrimage August 5^th through 7^th, 2027.

Ann Sanders, Western Association Co-Pilgrimage Director

Mary Jo McCarthy, Western Association Co-Pilgrimage Director

Michelle Navarro, Pilgrimage Coordinator