October 9th

Devotion to Our Lady of Champion spreads across the country. Below are some ways we celebrate. Technically, the Feast of Our Lady of Champion is only recognized locally with a Solemn High Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. (It is not on any church calendars yet, but we SHOULD pray that the Vatican moves to add it soon!) The shrine celebrates the anniversary of the 3rd apparition of Our Lady to Adele Brise AND the Miracle of the Fire on Oct. 9. Both happened on the same day 12 years apart (1859 & 1871).

How can you celebrate with your family?

Food: Belgian Waffles or “Kermis” dishes

We eat Belgian waffles made in a waffle maker. If you haven’t time for that, buy Egos or Belgian waffle cookies. The waffle industry exploded in Belgium in the 19th century. Cover your waffles with whipped cream, confectioners’ sugar, chocolate spread, syrup, or butter. They may also be served with vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit (such as strawberries).

You can also have your own Kermis. Wisconsin Belgians held a kermis as far back as 1858, but this festival of feasting, dancing, and sports goes back hundreds of years in many parts of Europe. In some Wisconsin towns, the tradition remains to this day. Kermis was often celebrated in remembrance of the founding of a church or to honor a patron. The Belgians in Wisconsin held their kermis to celebrate the harvest season. Foods include hearty chicken soup, trippe (sausage stuffed with cabbage and Belgian spices), jutt (fried cabbage), Belgian pies and tortes. You could try this or this pie recipe.

Activities:
Do a rosary procession, like the settlers during the great fire in 1871. Their prayers to Our Lady saved them. Pray the rosary or even just a decade. Sing a hymn. Let the children carry a statue of Our Lady in imitation of the settlers.

Wear as much yellow as you can. Yellow ribbons in hair. Yellow t-shirt. Yellow nail polish. Our Lady’s color is traditionally blue, but in this apparition, she had a yellow sash and blond hair.

For little children, buy shiny star stickers and place them around Mary’s head.

Pray the Our Lady of Champion novena prayer or litany.

Sit around a bonfire and:
- pray for the conversion of unbelievers in your lives.
- pray for the souls of lost settlers and all who have suffered during forest fires.
- tell the story of Our Lady of Champion.
- eat s’mores with Belgian chocolate.