A beloved local attraction, Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine is a scenic spiritual destination where visitors can find peace
By Patricia Nugent
Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine is an unexpected haven of peace and tranquility.
According to Sister Phyllis Ann, who is head administrator, the origins go back to 1858 when Mary appeared to Bernadette in Lourdes, France, asking her to pray for sinners and build a place where people can come to pray. A shrine was built there to commemorate the visitation.
In 1926, a replica of that shrine, carved from imported Italian marble, was erected within a surrounding grotto set back on a wooded site in Euclid. Beneath a stunning statue of Mary, water flows over a piece of stone brought back from the original shrine.
Today, people from all over the world come here to pay homage to the Euclid Shrine, including school groups and bus tours as well as individuals and prayer groups.
She explains they are considered a national shrine and satellite of the original, giving people in this country a more accessible holy place to visit.
This scenic spiritual destination includes the shrine and grotto, as well as a chapel, convent, Rosary Hill, Stations of the Cross, the St. Ann Dining Hall, a prayer labyrinth and gift shop.
The Need Continues
During the WE Give Catholic day of fundraising last November, Sr. Phyllis Ann reports they raised $100,000, which will allow them to reconstruct the decaying steps leading up to the two candle houses where people pray and make petitions.
“So now we can give, because you gave,” she says. “But the need continues.”
James Hickey, a pastoral associate at St. John Vianney Parish in Mentor, is a devotee of the Shrine. He leads a weekly men’s group that prays for the sisters.
“To me, its beauty and presence draws you into it,” he says. “Just sitting there is transformational, and so are the Stations of the Cross going up the hill. People experience Jesus through his mother.”
Well-Stocked Gift Shop
To take a bit of the Shrine home with you, or find religious gifts, don’t miss the gift shop at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine. You’ll find an enormous selection of holy cards and books, rosaries, Bibles, religious jewelry, medals, candles, artwork, statues, clothing, home décor and crafts handmade by the Sisters.
Those looking for a special gift for occasions like baptism, first communion, confirmation, weddings and more will find aisles and aisles of beautiful items here. 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.
Sister reports some of their top selling items include garden statues, a big improvement on the gnomes or trolls you may currently have.
Summer Schedule
Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine opens its outdoor season May through October. Don’t miss these events in May. Visit SRSTrinity.com for a complete listing.
Outdoor mass is celebrated every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. followed by breakfast and lunch at St. Ann Dining Room, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. At 4 p.m., they say the rosary, benediction and community prayer.
Thursdays, May 16 and June 20 — Pasta Dinners
Sundays, May 26 and June 2 — Eucharistic Adoration
Friday, June 7 — World Rosary Day for priests at noon
Friday, June 21 — A night of love to celebrate the pilgrim virgin statue, from
4-9 p.m.
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.