Travel

Soulful shrines

Northwest Ohio's holy reflection places are a perfect getaway for a day trip

BY ANNIE LUST

A pilgrimage does not always require a flight to an exotic place. Within the Diocese of Toledo, we have three awe-inspiring destinations that welcome countless pilgrims each year. Each of these wondrous, holy places is a short drive for the faithful of the Diocese of Toledo. Plan your pilgrimage today.

THE SORROWFUL MOTHER SHRINE

“The Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue, Ohio is truly holy ground,” said Father Scott Kramer, Rector. “The natural beauty of our 120+ acres of woodlands, the abundance of religious imagery and the traditional atmosphere of our historic chapel all serve to bring us closer to the Lord through the intercession of Mary and the Saints.”

Father also shared, “In a world that is increasingly loud and hectic, a visit to the quiet and serene grounds of the Sorrowful Mother Shrine can bring peace and comfort to the hearts of God’s people. The Missionaries of the Precious Blood welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds to come and spend some time on our holy ground. For 168 years, pilgrims have walked these grounds, prayed in our chapels, celebrated the Sacraments and quietly reflected on what is most important in life.”

“Blessings large and small have been received here. This truly is holy ground,” said Father Scott Kramer.

Top: The Sorrowful Mother Shrine Chapel.

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Located: S.R. 269, Bellevue, Ohio

Website: www.sorrowfulmothershrine.org

Description: The Sorrowful Mother Shrine is an inspiring place of prayer where God and nature come together. The natural beauty of the 120-acre woods and landscaping offer an environment of peace and tranquility and can be easily navigated on paved walkways. The central point of the Shrine is the Sorrowful Mother Chapel. The Missionaries of the Precious Blood have operated the Shrine since its founding in 1850. On Sundays and Holy

Days, priests and religious lead devotional services and processions. They visit with people sharing their joys and sorrows or walk with them praying at one of the many grottoes, gardens or Stations of the Cross in the woods. Mass is celebrated daily, with the Sacrament or Reconciliation (confession) celebrated an hour before Mass. Weekend Masses are celebrated in the open air outdoor chapel during the summer months. The grounds also include a gift shop and cafeteria. The Shrine hosts celebrations of many different ethnic backgrounds throughout the year, including Italian, African American, Hispanic, Chaldean, Polish and Slovenian. If you feel the need to get in tune with yourself and with all the beauty God has created and so generously given to us, you’ll find that a day, or even a few hours, spent on these holy grounds at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine, will bring an experience that will be rich in personal and spiritual rewards.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN PRAYER CENTER

“St. Alphonsus Liguori Church in Peru, Ohio, is proud to be the only parish in the state of Ohio blessed to have a future saint in residence. St. John Neumann called St. Alphonsus Church home from July 1841 until November 1841. Come walk, pray and reflect in the footsteps of a saint. Our parish grounds can help you in your journey as a saint in the making!” - Father Ron Schock, Pastor, St. Alphonsus Liguori, Peru

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Located: Peru, Ohio

Website: www.historicstalphonsus.org

Description: The St. John Neumann Prayer Center is a log cabin built in the 1830’s. In 1841 redemptorist Father John Nepomucene Neumann (St. John Neumann) served here. He cared for the spiritual needs of the Huron County immigrants for five months before returning to New York. He eventually became the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia in 1851. He was canonized St. John Neumann on June 19, 1977. In the prayer center we find relics and information of this frontier priest. It also features many historical artifacts, displays, and inspirational books to enjoy. The center includes outdoor places for prayer and reflection, including a prayer garden, grotto, and rosary walk.

THE BASILICA AND NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION

“Whatever thanks, blessings, troubles or difficulty that you bring to Our Lady of Consolation Shrine, you will leave here with a tremendous sense of peace, knowing that you, like our Blessed Mother, are indeed full of the grace and peace of God.” - Father Thomas Merrill, OFM Conv.

The interior of the Upper Basilica.

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Located: Carey, Ohio

Website: www.olcshrine.com

Description: The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation is a place of great peace where pilgrims can pray and pay homage to the Blessed Mother. Since 1875, countless pilgrims have journeyed to the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio, to offer prayers and thanks and to confide their needs to the Mother of God as Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted. Devotion to Mary under this title dates back to the second century and is among her earliest titles of honor. The devotion spread to the United States, and the first shrine to Our Lady of Consolation was built in Carey, Ohio. The grounds include the Basilica, Retreat House, Cafeteria, Gift Shop and Shrine Park, including an outdoor altar. Through the intercession of Mary, the sick and afflicted have found health, comfort and consolation. Our Lady of Consolation offers a number of special events throughout the year which draw many thousands of pilgrims. All are welcome at any time on their journey to faith, hope and healing.