Servant of God
Adele brice
On January 30, the 195th birthday of Adele Brice, Bishop David L. Ricken, the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, promulgated a decree officially opening the cause for the canonization of Adele Brice and naming her a Servant of God. Adele Brice was the seer of Our Lady of Champion in 1859, the first and only approved Marian apparition in the United States.
It is for her prompt obedience, simple faithfulness, and trust in God that we hope she will one day be honored as a saint. Every day, families and pilgrims visit her gravesite, bringing prayers, flowers, and gratitude for her witness. Inspiring believers across generations.
This sacred act marks the official beginning of a long and prayerful journey toward sainthood, a journey rarely undertaken in the United States and unprecedented in the history of the Diocese of Green Bay.
How To help
The cause for canonization?
About Adele
An Oath to Share the Gospel
Adele Brice emerged as a heroic witness to the Catholic faith through her tireless efforts in evangelization following her profound experience of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the rugged land of Northeast Wisconsin, she fearlessly shared the Gospel, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their faith more deeply. Her commitment to spreading the message of Christ exemplifies the qualities of a true evangelist and missionary.
Adele’s Legacy
Her Legacy as Visionary and Missionary
After Adele’s incredible encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary in October of 1859, she dedicated herself to catechesis and helping others prepare for their Sacraments, especially in preparing children for their First Holy Communion. She played a pivotal role in guiding others on their spiritual journey to Christ through devotion to Our Lady, and the fruits of her labor have left a lasting impact on generations of believers.
While her life was characterized by a unique experience with the Blessed Virgin Mary, her lasting devotion and humble obedience to Our Lady’s request has been and continues to be a source of deep inspiration for those seeking a more intimate relationship with Jesus through Mary.
Our Prayers for Adele
A Life to Honor
According to the United States Congress of Catholic Bishops, Saints are persons in heaven (officially canonized or not), who lived heroically virtuous lives, offered their lives for others, or were martyred for the faith, and who are worthy of imitation. All Christians are called to be saints! In official procedures for the Roman Catholic Church, there are defined steps to name someone a Canonized Saint: Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed, and Saint. In a spirit of humility, we pray that Adele’s cause for sainthood may one day be opened and that her heroic story may be shared with the world – all for the Greater Glory of God!
