America’s 250-year history is momentous and profound, yet chaotic and imperfect, marked by the women and men who labored to create a land of liberty.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, the only Church-approved Marian apparition in the United States, has created an opportunity for America’s Catholics to see the faces of the holy women and men who have been a light in America’s darkest hours.
Here are four of America’s holiest women and men all U.S. Catholics should know about:
1) Saint Junípero Serra
Meet Saint Junípero Serra, O.F.M., who, during the era of Spanish colonization in the western United States, witnessed the mistreatment of Native peoples and recognized the dignity and beauty of Indigenous cultures.
Empowered by the missionary outreach of the Gospel, Saint Junípero moved from Spain to America, founding nine missions in California, baptizing over five thousand, and becoming beloved for his care for Indigenous peoples. Saint Junípero fought for regulation over missions, and he taught trades to Indigenous peoples, enabling them to preserve the beauty of their culture while melding it with the beauty of the Universal Church.
2) Venerable Pierre Toussaint
Meet Venerable Pierre Toussaint, who was born a slave, knew the yearnings for freedom, but did not allow them to hinder his generosity and care for those around him, regardless of class status.
He developed barbering skills, mastering his craft, and became a highly profitable businessman. He began serving Manhattan’s wealthiest families, enabling him to purchase his own freedom and that of those around him.
He helped the poor, educated orphans, and nursed those suffering from yellow fever. He is known for refusing to retire from his work so that he would have enough money to continue supporting others.
3) Servant of God Adele Brice
Meet Servant of God Adele Brice. While many were coming to the United States in search of a new life, the country was expanding westward. Attacks on the faith came through infrequent access to the sacraments, catechetical teaching, and heresies.
Servant of God Adele Brice, Seer of Our Lady of Champion, was given the mission by Our Lady “to teach the children what they needed to know for salvation.”
Despite being illiterate, seemingly unqualified, and restricted by her physical disabilities, Adele’s humble obedience helped to preserve the truth of Catholicism on the frontier by traveling on foot up to 50 miles a day to teach children and their families the catechism and sacraments.
4) Blessed Solanus Casey
Meet Blessed Solanus Casey, who was told his knowledge of theology was too weak and that he was prohibited from hearing confessions or preaching. He became the doorkeeper for his order, but his attentive listening and humble advice attracted thousands to him.
Blessed Solanus became known for his spiritual presence, as people would wait hours in line for a chance to speak with the humble, simple priest.
During the Great Depression, a time when our country reached its economic low and poverty was felt at every level, Blessed Solanus tended to the sick and fed the hungry in soup kitchens, caring for others in their darkest times.
Celebrate America's 250th at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion's Historic Exhibit
See the faces and hear the stories of the 76 women and men who made our American tapestry a beacon of faith, hope, and love.
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation by meeting its holiest women and men at the apparition site of Our Lady of Champion from July 1–9 for their first-of-its-kind historic exhibit.
Featuring the faces and stories of these holy individuals, you can venerate their relics, hear speakers from over 27 shrines and causes from around the nation, and participate in nine days of family events at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.