100 years of blesssings
Celebrating its jubilee, Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine has a bevy of spiritual events planned. It’s an opportunity for everyone to share in the blessings.
The outdoor mass season at Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine kicks off Sunday, May 3, with masses at 8 and 9:30 a.m. followed by breakfast. It runs through the last Sunday of October.
F or the past century, countless people from around the world have been drawn to the grace, spirituality and hope of miracles at the Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine in Euclid.
To celebrate its historic 100th anniversary jubilee, the shrine is throwing events, rolling out a new speaker series and debuting a book.
“We hope to welcome new people this season, showing them how relevant our story is to today’s times,” says Administrator Sister Phyllis Ann. “Everyone comes here with a purpose, whether it’s seeking healing, spiritual answers or a deeper connection to God.”
The shrine is surrounded by a grotto, chapel, convent, Rosary Hill, Stations of the Cross, prayer labyrinth, St. Ann Dining Hall and a gift shop—providing the perfect solace for prayer and reflection. At its center, carved from resplendent Italian marble, is the statue that depicts the moment Mary appeared to St. Bernadette.
Celebrate with the Bishop
The jubilee celebration kicks off Sunday, May 31, with a special 9:30 a.m. mass celebrated by Bishop Edward Malesic, followed by a meet and greet at St. Ann Dining Hall. This event is open to the public.
The speaker series begins on Saturday, May 30, and runs in June, July and September.
“I’ve always loved this idea, and the Jubilee seemed like the perfect time,” she says. “Each speaker is wonderful at detailing how our bigger story appeals to everyone. Topics include a youth adult ministry—women’s day of reflection, an exploration of St. Bernadette with James Hickey, a journey through Lourdes, Fatima and the heart of a mother with Kathyrn DeCapite and the miracles of Lourdes and Fatima with Barb Ernster.”
Check the website for a schedule and reserve your place by calling the shrine.
Read All About It
During the kickoff celebration on May 31st, meet the authors of a recently published book, Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine of Euclid (Landmarks). Mother-daughter writers Jennifer Boresz Engelking and Joanne Boresz will be on hand to autograph the book, which takes a deep dive into the shrine’s fascinating history.
In 1926, the shrine was built on the property that was once a farm owned by the Harms family. The Blessed Mother is said to have appeared to Julia Harms in 1807 on the spot where the statue of Mary stands today.
The book also shares stories of healings that have taken place at the shrine and first-person narratives from Sister Phyllis Ann and the nuns there.
“I hope the stories of healings and blessings bring readers hope and peace, and that the book encourages them to visit in person and experience the beauty of the shrine for themselves,” says Jennifer, who visited the shrine often with her mother growing up.
Joanne quotes Sister Margaret Mary in the book, who said, “Nobody comes to Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine by chance. The Blessed Mother brings you here. Whether we see her or whether we do not see her, we know she is here.”
Ushering in the Outdoor Season
The outdoor mass season kicks off Sunday, May 3, with masses at 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. followed by breakfast. It runs through the last Sunday of October. Also on May 21, don’t miss the community-wide pasta dinner at the St. Ann Dining Hall, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
While you’re at the shrine, make a stop at the well-appointed gift shop. You’ll find religious gifts, an impressive selection of holy cards and books, rosaries, Bibles, religious jewelry, medals, candles, artwork, statues, clothing, home décor and crafts handmade by the sisters.
Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine
21281 Chardon Road, Euclid
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