2026 Order of Malta, US Associations’ Annual

Our Lady of Champion Pilgrimage

Approved Marian Pilgrimage
Thursday, August 6th– Saturday, August 8th
Champion, Wisconsin

Now in its 13th year, this pilgrimage brings members of the Order together in prayer, fellowship, and service under the loving protection of the Blessed Mother. All members and their families are warmly encouraged to attend.

We gather under the theme “Take Heart,” inspired by the U.S. Bishops’ 2025 decision to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This “new declaration of love” invites us to renew our hope, deepen our faith, and entrust ourselves more fully to Christ. As pilgrims to Our Lady of Champion, we look to the Blessed Mother to guide us with courage and trust in an ever‑changing world.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion is the only Marian apparition site in the United States formally approved by the Catholic Church. Bishop David Ricken declared the 1859 apparition to Adele Brise “worthy of belief” in 2010, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops designated it a National Shrine in 2016. On January 30, 2026, Bishop Ricken opened Adele Brise’s cause for sainthood, marking a historic moment for the Shrine.

For those who have not traveled to Lourdes, this pilgrimage offers a meaningful opportunity to experience the grace of a Marian shrine close to home. The peaceful grounds of Our Lady of Champion invite every pilgrim into prayer, healing, and spiritual renewal.

Schedule of Events

Click here to download the pilgrimage schedule.

Registration

The registration fee for adults will be $550 per person to cover the costs of meals (Thursday evening dinner and lunches and dinners on Friday and Saturday), bus transportation to the Shrine and back each day, stipends to cover donations to the Shrine, the clergy and musicians, and miscellaneous pilgrimage expenses. The reduced fee for children age 2 to 17 is $200 per person. Pilgrims under the age of 2 and Chaplains are free.

Click here to register.

Click here to submit your registration fee.

To receive a refund, cancellations must be sent by email on or before July 14, 2026. This policy will be applied according to the email date on the notice of cancellation. If you cancel your registration, you are responsible for canceling your own transportation arrangements and hotel reservations.

Hotel Reservations

Pilgrims (except Chaplains) are financially responsible to make their own hotel reservations at the Hyatt Hotel – 333 Main St., Green Bay, WI at the negotiated rate below, which includes breakfast for up to two people and parking.

Single/Double Rate: $110 per night + tax

Triple Rate: $135 per night + tax

Quad Rate (up to six people): $160 per night + tax

The pilgrimage requires a three‑night stay. The hotel reservation cutoff date is July 14, 2026, but the hotel may be fully booked well before that date. Space for the pilgrimage is limited and expected to sell out. While arrangements at other hotels may be available, they cannot be guaranteed. Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to make hotel reservations as soon as they receive notice that their registration has been accepted. Detailed hotel reservation instructions will be included in the acceptance email.

Travel Arrangements

All Pilgrims are financially responsible to make their own travel arrangements to and from Green Bay, Wisconsin. If you cancel your registration, you are responsible for canceling your own transportation arrangements.

Uniform Requirements for All Pilgrims

Click here to view the uniform requirements for this pilgrimage.

Important Notes

• The pilgrimage is available to members in good standing (current with their Annual Contribution).
• A valid ID is required for the pilgrimage.
• All adults (18 years of age and older) are required to have completed the Safe Environment Program or VIRTUS Training. This includes family members.
• All Knights and Dames should bring their robes/capes.