Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay has approved the Marian apparitions seen by Adele Brise in 1859, making the apparitions of Mary that occurred some 30 km northeast of Green Bay the first in the U.S. to receive approval of a diocesan bishop.

Ricken made the announcement during Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help Dec. 8. Ricken said the proclamation was a desire of many people.

“So many of you have asked for this in one way or another,” he said.

“I regard this also as a simple declaration in that it already states what has been going on here so quietly for so many years.”