Life-Size Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe Visits La Crosse

The Madre Peregrina sculpture marks the 1531 apparition of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:23pm

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A life-size image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, known as the Madre Peregrina or Pilgrim Mother, has arrived in La Crosse, Wisconsin for a special three-day pilgrimage visit. The sculpture comes from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City and commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego in 1531, a significant event for Catholics. The image will be available for visitation and prayer at the Christ the King Chapel before traveling to other Wisconsin cities.

Why it matters

The Madre Peregrina image is part of a larger tour leading up to the 500th anniversary of the Guadalupe apparitions in 2031. These pilgrimages help spread awareness and reverence for this important Catholic tradition, which is deeply rooted in Mexican and Latin American culture and faith.

The details

The Madre Peregrina's visit to La Crosse began with a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Gerard W. Battersby. Over the weekend, the life-size sculpture will be available for visitation and prayer at the Christ the King Chapel. After La Crosse, the image will travel to St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Chippewa Falls from March 19-April 5, and then to St. Peter Parish in Stevens Point from April 16-22. Prior to its Wisconsin tour, the Madre Peregrina has visited cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay.

  • The Madre Peregrina's visit to La Crosse began on March 13, 2026 with a special Mass.
  • The image will be available for visitation and prayer at the Christ the King Chapel in La Crosse throughout the weekend.
  • From March 19-April 5, 2026, the Madre Peregrina will be at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Chippewa Falls.
  • The image will then travel to St. Peter Parish in Stevens Point from April 16-22, 2026.

The players

Bishop Gerard W. Battersby

The bishop who celebrated the special Mass to begin the Madre Peregrina's visit to La Crosse.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The church in Mexico City that houses the original Madre Peregrina sculpture, which is on a pilgrimage tour across the United States and Canada.

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The takeaway

The Madre Peregrina's tour across Wisconsin highlights the enduring significance of the Guadalupe apparitions for Catholic communities, providing opportunities for prayer, reflection, and connection to this important religious tradition.