The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared three times to Adele Brise, a young Belgian immigrant, near the rural community of Robinsonville (now Champion), Wisconsin. Our Lady appeared dressed in dazzling white with a yellow sash, a crown of stars above her flowing golden hair, and was surrounded by brilliant light. She identified herself as 'the Queen of Heaven' and commissioned Adele to teach the children of the frontier settlements about their faith.
History
In October 1859, Adele Brise was walking through the Wisconsin woods when she first saw a lady dressed in white standing between two trees. On her third appearance, the lady identified herself as the Queen of Heaven and gave Adele a mission: 'Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation.' Adele devoted the rest of her life to this mission, walking through the wilderness to teach children the catechism. Remarkably, during the Great Peshtigo Fire of October 8, 1871 — the deadliest wildfire in American history, which killed over 1,500 people — the chapel and grounds of the shrine were the only area left untouched by the flames, sheltering hundreds of refugees.
Messages
'I am the Queen of Heaven who prays for the conversion of sinners, and I wish you to do the same. Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation. Teach them their catechism, how to sign themselves with the sign of the Cross, and how to approach the sacraments.'
Associated Miracles
The miraculous preservation of the shrine and its refugees during the Great Peshtigo Fire of 1871; numerous healings reported at the shrine over the decades.
Scientific Investigation
Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay conducted a formal canonical investigation beginning in 2009, following the norms established by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The investigation included historical research, theological analysis, and examination of the fruits of the apparition.
Spiritual Significance
Our Lady of Good Help is the only approved Marian apparition in the United States. The shrine's miraculous preservation during the Peshtigo Fire is considered one of the most dramatic signs associated with any Marian apparition. The apparition's emphasis on catechesis and evangelization resonates strongly with the Church's mission.
