Connecting with God

One of Cleveland’s most beloved national shrines is putting the finishing touches on indoor and outdoor renovations to look its absolute best to celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2026.

Each year Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine in Euclid welcomes tens of thousands of people seeking spirituality and peace. Erected from Italian marble, the statue depicts Mary’s appearance to Bernadette. Beneath the statue, water flows over a piece of stone brought back from the original shrine. Surrounding the statue and Grotto, set back on rolling acres, are a chapel, convent, Rosary Hill, Stations of the Cross, the St. Ann Dining Hall, a prayer labyrinth and a gift shop.

“People come from all over the world,” says Sister Phyllis Ann, who has been administrator at the Shrine for the past 15 years. “Whether it’s pilgrims, school groups, prayer groups or bus tours, everyone comes here for a purpose. Some are seeking miracles, some looking for answers and some seek to deepen their connection to God.”

Renovate, Restore, Revitalize

Sister Phyllis Ann explains the renovations that have taken place over the past year are due to what she feels is a miraculous generosity and kindness from donors.

“We’ve rebuilt our prayer steps, railings, gates and pipes, as well as renovated the tabernacle and altar railing in the chapel,” she says. “We hope to refurbish the kneelers and benches, as well as lay Nature Stone in the Grotto before the weather becomes inhospitable.”

She adds she hopes people appreciate that when they give to the shrine, they are giving to all the people who come here. Their charitable dollars are staying local yet impacting lives all over the world.

Heading into the Holidays 

And as we enter the holy season, the sisters hope you keep their gift shop in mind. 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.

Water that flows over the stone relic in the grotto from the original Shrine in Lourdes, France is also available for purchase by the bottle. 

Looking ahead to next year’s 100th anniversary, Sister Phyllis Ann says to mark your calendar for Sunday, May 31, when Bishop Edward Malesic will visit to say 9:30 a.m. mass, followed by a meet and greet afterward at St. Ann Dining Hall.

Also, look for announcement of a book signing from a local author, Jennifer Boresz, who has written a book about the Shrine as part of History Press. The sisters were interviewed extensively for the book, which will be available for sale.

The Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes is located at 21281 Chardon Road in Euclid. The shrine and grounds are owned and operated solely by the sisters, 100% aided by private donations, which can be made online. All the funds donated go directly to the 501(c)(3) charity. Call 216-481-0900 or visit SRSTrinity.com for more information and to donate.