GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) — Thousands of people took part Saturday in the annual Walk to Mary, a 22-mile pilgrimage from St. Norbert College in De Pere to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in New Franken.
Organizers say the event continues to grow each year, with more than 10,000 walkers expected along the route and as many as 15,000 people gathering at the shrine throughout the day. Participants had the option to complete the full 22 miles or join at shorter segments, including 17-mile and 7-mile options.
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Participants either complete the full journey or choose shorter distances, and they are expecting more than 10,000 walkers along the route and about 15,000 people at the shrine site. 30% of those taking part are from outside Wisconsin, including national and international visitors who come to the pilgrimage to pray and take part in the Walk to Mary.
Along the route, participants took on the challenge in different ways. A group of younger walkers from Green Bay and Oshkosh ran much of the course and finished among the first to arrive, saying it was meaningful to experience the event with a large community of like-minded participants and to see the size of the turnout firsthand.
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Others used the journey for quiet reflection, saying they walked with personal intentions in mind, including prayers for family members and those who are sick in need of support. The walk began early Saturday morning, with participants continuing to arrive into the evening as services and events carried on at the shrine.
