Bishop issues edict asking the faithful if he should Open Cause of Adele Brice
The Edict Explained: At Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family, December 28, 2025, Bishop David L Ricken read this document, an official Church announcement (an edict). It says that the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion has formally asked the Church to begin an investigation into the life and holiness of Adele Brice for the path to sainthood. On May 24, 2024, Dr. Valentina Culurgioni, who has been appointed to guide this process (the Postulator), submitted a formal petition to the Bishop. This petition is called a Supplex Libellus, which simply means a formal written request. The request asks the Bishop to open the Cause for beatification and canonization (the path toward sainthood), which begins with a diocesan investigation into her life, writings, virtues, and legacy. Church law requires that, upon receipt of this petition, the Bishop must make the request public and ask the faithful to share any helpful information they may have. This is what this edict does.
The Cause is not open; rather, the Bishop is inviting anyone who knows of Adele Brice, has letters, documents, stories, graces received, or other evidence (even private ones) to send that information to the Diocese’s Chancellor.
Bishop issues edict asking the faithful if he should Open Cause of Adele Brice
The Edict Explained: At Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family, December 28, 2025, Bishop David L Ricken read this document, an official Church announcement (an edict). It says that the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion has formally asked the Church to begin an investigation into the life and holiness of Adele Brice for the path to sainthood. On May 24, 2024, Dr. Valentina Culurgioni, who has been appointed to guide this process (the Postulator), submitted a formal petition to the Bishop. This petition is called a Supplex Libellus, which simply means a formal written request. The request asks the Bishop to open the Cause for beatification and canonization (the path toward sainthood), which begins with a diocesan investigation into her life, writings, virtues, and legacy. Church law requires that, upon receipt of this petition, the Bishop must make the request public and ask the faithful to share any helpful information they may have. This is what this edict does.
The Cause is not open; rather, the Bishop is inviting anyone who knows of Adele Brice, has letters, documents, stories, graces received, or other evidence (even private ones) to send that information to the Diocese’s Chancellor.
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!
