Champion Shrine Holds Blessing of the Grape Harvest, Sept. 8

As grapes have become more prominent in Northeast Wisconsin, an area with a strong connection between agriculture and faith, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help will have a ceremony for the blessing of the grapes. The Feast Day Mass in Celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary takes place at 11 am on Sept. 8, with the Ceremonial Blessing of the Grape Harvest following the Mass.

“The Blessing of the Grape Harvest reminds us to be thankful for the people, the weather and everything else that makes the grape harvest possible,” said Fr. John Broussar, CPM, rector at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help. “In many parts of Europe, particularly the wine-growing regions of France, there is a traditional harvest blessing of the grapes on the Feast Day of the Nativity of Mary. Since our area is near the 44th parallel – the prime growing area of grapes – we believe it is fitting to start this new local tradition.”

Vintners from Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery, of Sturgeon Bay and Kewaunee, and other wineries will participate in the Marian Feast Day celebration.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help is located at 4047 Chapel Drive in Champion, centrally located between Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay and Algoma. For more information, visit ShrineOfOurLadyOfGoodHelp.com.