A small church in the town of Champion is celebrating a milestone 160 years in the making this week. It was October 1859 when a young Adele Brise is said to have encountered an apparition of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the years since that faithful meeting, the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help has become a place of other miracles with over 150,000 pilgrims visiting the site every year. The construction of its Mother of Mercy Hall and the landmark anniversary has only added to the site’s popularity according to events coordinator Corrie Campbell.

October 1st kicks off the National Novena to Our Lady of Good Help, a nine-day period of reflection featuring prayers, guest speakers, and special masses.

Click here to find the schedule of the National Novena to Our Lady of Good Help