Description
Our Lady’s appearances to young Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, in 1858 are well known and well documented. Just one year later, a lesser-known but still important Marian apparition took place in an American frontier settlement.
Based on historical documents, testimonies, personal interviews, and expert analysis, America’s Mary: The Story of Our Lady of Good Help chronicles for the first time the United States’ only Church-approved Marian apparition.
In 1859 on the Door County Peninsula of northeast Wisconsin, Mary appeared three times to a young Belgian woman named Adele Brise. She identified herself as the Queen of Heaven and gave Adele instructions to teach the children their catechism, pray, do penance, sacrifice, and receive the sacraments frequently. Adele was initially met with skepticism, and during her lifetime she experienced many trials, including persecution. Still, she maintained that she was telling the truth and courageously carried on the mission the Blessed Mother had given to her.
Although the local community accepted Adele’s story as real, and popular piety built up around Mary’s appearances and messages, it was more than 100 years before the Church conducted a thorough investigation. In 2010, the apparition was approved.
Since then, thousands of pilgrims each year have visited the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, WI, seeking the Queen of Heaven’s intercession for peace, healing, and help.
Joseph George –
It is often difficult for an author to write a factual book and make it believable to the reader. It is even harder to write a book about religious subject matter and explain supernatural occurrences without being met with skepticism or even harsh criticism. Marge Steinhage Fenelon uses well-researched material, explains Catholic Church doctrine and provides a solid foundation for the reader. Even the most skeptical reader should be open to the belief that the Blessed Mother did appear to Adele Brise in 1859. Superbly written and well-organized, this book is bolstered by support of Catholic clergy, the inclusion of historical photos and the Notes and Timeline sections at the end. I found this book interesting, enjoyable and totally credible. America’s Mary should be a “must read” book for anyone wondering how apparitions can happen.
Dawn D –
Great book! As usual, Marge looks at the whole picture and relates each and every piece of history to the Catholic Tradition. She makes it all understandable and practical for our lives. Easy, but inspirational read!
Cindy H –
This is an extremely well written book that takes the reader through the amazing history of our Lady of Good Hope. I’ve been to the shrine many times and still found the book to be filled with facts that I didn’t know. Thank you Marge Fenlon! Our Lady is very pleased with this book!
Anthony M. Pirih –
I received the book from my daughter in-law for Christmas. I found the book to be extremely written….once I started, it was hard to put down. I am so intrigued by the Shrine and story that my wife and I will be visiting the site very soon. Good read and strongly recommend.
Nancy S. –
America’s Mary is one of the most captivating books I have read in a long time . The author does a thorough and beautiful account of the life story of Adele Brise and her encounter with the apparition of our Blessed Mother . I especially enjoyed reading about the culture and everyday life of the Belgian immigrants who settled in that area . It truly was a pleasure to read .
Nancy S. –
America’s Mary is one of the most captivating books I have read in a long time . The author does a thorough and beautiful accounting of the life story of Adele Brise and her encounter with the apparition of our Blessed Mother . I especially enjoyed reading about the culture and everyday life of the Belgian immigrants who settled in that area . It truly was a pleasure to read .
Joe Yank –
America’s Mary – The story of Our Lady of Good Help – is an exciting look at the only approved apparition of the Blessed Mother in our United States. The historical documentation of not only the apparition but also the people of that time, especially the Belgian Faith and Traditions, makes the whole story very believable. The writing style of Marge Fenelon is very easy to read and brings the story comfortably and clearly to the sense of the reader. The documentation of the Great Fire and the Great Miracle along with the biography of Adele Brise bring a very personal touch to the story. I have been to the shrine once and now look forward to going again!
Deanna –
Marge Steinhage Fenelon has written America’s Mary: The Story of Our Lady of Good Help to tell the story of this apparition of Mary to Adele and calls it America’s best-kept secret. Why? Because this is the only recognized and approved apparition to take place in America. I have always known we have a generous and loving Mother in Heaven. But Mary also comes to people here on earth to guide and give a message of hope or words of exhortation when needed. In 1859, this is what happened on Door Penisula, Wisconsin to a girl named Adele Brise.