Finding peace & renewal

As its 100th jubilee draws to a close, the beloved Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine in Euclid celebrates a year of prayer, fellowship and spiritual renewal while looking toward its next century.

Since 1926, the Shrine has offered visitors from around the world something increasingly precious today: a peaceful place to step away from the everyday and reconnect with faith.

The celebration concludes on Sunday, October 25, at 4 p.m., when Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland will lead a special service featuring readings, the Rosary and benediction. Afterward, everyone is invited to St. Ann Dining Hall for an ice cream social, an opportunity to meet the bishop, and to receive a special jubilee memento.

“A standout of the jubilee this summer was our three-part speaker series, which drew strong attendance, with ice cream socials adding a little friendship and fellowship to the spiritual and educational experience,” says Administrator Sister Phyllis Ann.

The series reflected an important part of the Shrine’s purpose: It is not only a place for prayer, but also a place to learn, gather and deepen one’s faith.

Opportunities for Al Fresco Worship

As the season comes to a close, there are several outdoor Masses held at the Shrine, which continue Sundays through October 25, at 8 and 9:30 a.m.

Celebrating Mass outdoors at the grotto has a significance that reaches far beyond its beautiful setting, which features breathtaking Italian marble statues that depict the moment the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, in 1858. 

“Mary’s message was a call to people to come to her son in procession,” she says. “Each time worshippers gather and process to the grotto, they carry on the spirit of that invitation.”

Renovated Stations of the Cross

While the jubilee has celebrated the Shrine’s history, work is also underway to preserve it for generations to come.

Phase two of the restoration of the stunning outdoor Stations of the Cross has begun, with attention turning to its pathway and railings. 

The project is an investment in one of the Shrine’s most meaningful devotional spaces, ensuring that future visitors will continue to have a peaceful setting for reflection and prayer.

“Our recent annual Fall Festival in early October was a nice opportunity for the community to enjoy the grounds before the outdoor season winds down,” she says.

Finding the Meaning of Christmas

“Just like Charlie Brown was looking for the true meaning of Christmas, if you are, too, our gift shop is the perfect place to find it,” says Sister Phyllis Ann. “It offers meaningful and memorable alternatives to the usual holiday shopping trip. You’ll find religious books, rosaries, Bibles, medals, holy cards, jewelry, candles, artwork, statues, clothing, home décor, faith-centered gifts and crafts handmade by the sisters. We are happy to help families keep the spiritual meaning of Christmas at the center of the season.”

After all, there could hardly be a more appropriate place to search for a Christmas gift with meaning than a shrine dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

As its centennial jubilee concludes, Our Lady of Lourdes remains what it has been for generations—a destination for prayer, reflection, education and community.

The anniversary may be ending, but the invitation that inspired the Shrine remains very much alive: Come, gather and find a little peace.

The Shrine is a 501(c)(3) charity operated solely by the sisters and funded by private donations, which can be made online. Check the site for a fall and holiday schedule at the Shrine.

Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes

21281 Chardon Road Euclid, Ohio

216-481-0900

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