A century of faith and healing
A host of festivities and sentimental events recognizing Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrines’ 100th Jubilee is planned for various times throughout the year. Here’s how you can pay tribute.
Centered by Italian marble statues that depict the moment Mary appeared to St. Bernadette, Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine is set on rolling acres surrounded by a grotto, a chapel, a convent, Rosary Hill, the Stations of the Cross, a prayer labyrinth, St. Ann Dining Hall and a gift shop.
Centuries ago, the Catholic Church designated May as the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary—a tradition rooted in reverence, renewal and devotion. This year, there’s no better way to honor the mother of God than by visiting the Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine in Euclid during its historic 100th anniversary jubilee.
“People from across the country and around the world have come here seeking hope, healing and spiritual rebirth,” says Administrator Sister Phyllis Ann. “We invite people to come share in the blessings and hope they discover our story is more relevant than ever.”
The story she references is the Shrine’s connection to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France and its spiritual significance. It is home to a relic of St. Bernadette from the original grotto, a stone upon which the Blessed Mother’s feet rested when she appeared to Bernadette. Here in Euclid, water flows freely over the stone and through the grotto.
“Drawn by the blessed water, many people come seeking healing,” she says.
Centered by Italian marble statues that depict the moment Mary appeared to Bernadette, the Shrine is set on scenic, rolling acres surrounded by a grotto, a 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.
Mass with the Bishop
The Jubilee officially kicks off Sunday, May 31, with a special 9:30 a.m. mass, celebrated by Bishop Edward Malesic, followed by a meet-and-greet reception at St. Ann Dining Hall. This event is open to the public, all are welcome.
In addition to a slew of special events, the sisters are commemorating the centennial by rolling out a new speaker series.
The talks begin on Saturday, May 30, with a Young Adult Ministry and Women’s Day of Reflection, and run in June, July and September. Theological experts include James Hickey, who will speak about St. Bernadette; Kathryn DeCapite, who will talk about a Marian journey; and Barb Ernster, who will explore the miracles of Lourdes and Fatima.
Check the website for a schedule and reserve your place by calling the Shrine.
Ushering in the Outdoor Season
Summer outdoor mass season is in full gear. For a holy al fresco experience, enjoy masses at the Shrine every Sunday, now through October 25, at 8 a.m. (indoors) and 9:30 a.m. (outdoors), followed by breakfast. On Thursday, May 21, don’t miss the community-wide Pasta Dinner at the St. Ann Dining Hall from 4:30-6 p.m.
For a delightful shopping experience while you’re at the shrine, don’t miss 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.
The Shrine is a 501(c)( 3) charity operated solely by the sisters and funded by private donations, which can be made online.
Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine
21281 Chardon Road, Euclid
A Story 100 Years in the Making
To help commemorate Our Lady of Lourdes’ 100th Jubilee, two local authors have recently published a book, Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine of Euclid (Landmarks). You can meet mother-daughter writers Joanne Boresz and Jennifer Boresz Engelking at the kickoff celebration on Sunday, May 31, where they will be on hand to autograph books.
Working with the Cleveland Catholic Diocese and historical newspaper databases, as well as interviewing the sisters at the Shrine, they were able to compile fascinating facts and first-person narratives.
I caught up with Joanne and Jennifer for insight.
Q: What inspired the book and how long did it take to complete?
Jennifer: “When my mom and I were standing in the Shrine gift shop during a visit on June 12, 2024, my mom overheard Sister Geraldine telling a customer that the Shrine’s 100th anniversary was coming up in May of 2026. We had made a promotional video for the Shrine years earlier and always felt like we wanted to do something more. My mom and I both thought it would be great timing to write a book about the Shrine’s history in time for the celebration. It was a really special experience to write this book with my wonderful mom, who not only instilled a love of reading and storytelling in me as a kid, but also raised me with a strong devotion to our Blessed Mother.”
Q: What do you hope people will take away from the book?
Joanne: “It is my hope that others will find a little bit of peace and hope when they read the book. As Sister Margaret Mary once said: ‘Nobody comes here by chance. The Blessed Mother brings you here.’ Suffice it to say, our Blessed Mother is here. Whether we see her or whether we do not see her, we know that she is here.”
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