Vatican Deems Green Bay Church A Holy Site
CHAMPION, Wis. (AP) -- A tiny shrine in a small northeast Wisconsin town has just been given a huge distinction by the Vatican: It's been named as a holy site.
The Midwestern chapel has been recognized by the Catholic Church as an official sighting of the Virgin Mary. In fact, WTMJ AM reports it's the only site in the country with that distinction.
According to Green Bay Bishop David Ricken, the Virgin Mary appeared there three times to Belgium immigrant Adele Brise in 1859. Since the sightings, the chapel has attracted many others praying for miracles.
Ricken started investigating the events and three theological experts soon picked up the work. After two years of poring over letters and documents relating to the apparitions, experts confirmed it was the true article. The Vatican validated those results in December.
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