Adele Brise, born in Belgium and known for her devout faith, found herself in Champion, Wisconsin, when her family relocated during her childhood. While wandering in the Champion woods, Adele encountered a silent lady in white between a maple and a hemlock tree. On Sunday, October 9, 1859, en route to Mass with her sister and friend, Adele crossed paths with the lady once more. After Mass, she confided in a priest about her vision and was advised to speak with the apparition if she saw her again. On her journey home, Adele saw the lady for the third time. Undeterred by her companions' inability to see the apparition, Adele obeyed her priest's counsel and inquired, “In God's name, who are you and what do you want of me?