About the Shrine 
Mission Statement
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, faithful to the message of the Blessed Virgin Mary through her appearances on the American continent in 1531, serves the spiritual needs of those who suffer poverty in body and soul. It is a place of ceaseless prayer for the corporal and spiritual welfare of God’s children, especially those in most need.
History at a Glance
Affiliations
On our American continent, Marian devotion is frequently centered around the figure of our Blessed Mother as she appeared in December of1531 to the native American Saint Juan Diego at Tepeyac Hill in the area of modern day Mexico City. Our Blessed Mother actually appeared four times to Saint Juan Diego and once to his dying elderly uncle, Juan Bernardino. The fourth appearance to Saint Juan Diego was the most wonderful. A brief account of the apparitions will help us to appreciate better God the Father’s purpose in sending the Blessed Mother to us at Tepeyac Hill and the important meaning of devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
“I want very much that they build my sacred little house here, in which I will show Him, I will exalt Him, I will give Him to all people in all my personal love.” (Nican Mopohua, no. 26)
Plenary Indulgences
Pilgrims may receive a plenary indulgence on:
August 5 – Feast of St. Mary Major
December 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
All Solemnities of the Blessed Virgin Mary (under the usual conditions).
Want to learn more about the history of the Shrine?
“The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin recalls the appearances of 1531 and proclaims once again her message of God’s mercy and love.”
– Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke
“From the first inspiration of the building of a shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the goal has been to build a beautiful church dedicated to Our Lord Jesus and His Mother and our Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe.”
– Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke
