Midwest Shrines
Day 1: The Grotto, Illinois
The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption was the visionary creation of Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein, a German-born priest. Beginning in 1912, he dedicated himself to constructing nine remarkable grottoes as an expression of faith and gratitude. After recovering from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia, he fulfilled a heartfelt promise to the Blessed Virgin Mary by building a sacred grotto in her honor. These structures are crafted from an astonishing array of rocks and precious stones, symbolizing devotion through artistry and geology.
The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption was the visionary creation of Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein, a German-born priest. Beginning in 1912, he dedicated himself to constructing nine remarkable grottoes as an expression of faith and gratitude. After recovering from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia, he fulfilled a heartfelt promise to the Blessed Virgin Mary by building a sacred grotto in her honor. These structures are crafted from an astonishing array of rocks and precious stones, symbolizing devotion through artistry and geology.
|
Day 2: St. Louis Arch, Missouri
In the morning, we will stop for the St. Louis Arch. Did you know that the Gateway Arch National Park St. Louis Arch) is the tallest manmade monument in the US and the tallest arch in the world? It's definitely one of the more unique National Parks in the U.S. |
Day 3: Our Lady of the Snows, Illinois
Founded in 1958, Our Lady of the Snows is a National Shrine and is run by the Missionary of Oblates of Mary Immaculate. This shrine honors the occasion in Rome where an apparition of Our Lady appeared to a couple as it snowed in the summertime. Though we won't cover all 200 acres of this shrine, this beautiful area can claim the title of the largest outdoor Marian Shrine in the U.S. Find peaceful time to pray, communal spiritual time, and many different places for reflection. Different locations around this location are Annunciation Garden, Father's Memorial Wall and a replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France
Founded in 1958, Our Lady of the Snows is a National Shrine and is run by the Missionary of Oblates of Mary Immaculate. This shrine honors the occasion in Rome where an apparition of Our Lady appeared to a couple as it snowed in the summertime. Though we won't cover all 200 acres of this shrine, this beautiful area can claim the title of the largest outdoor Marian Shrine in the U.S. Find peaceful time to pray, communal spiritual time, and many different places for reflection. Different locations around this location are Annunciation Garden, Father's Memorial Wall and a replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France
Day 4: Fulton Sheen's Tomb, Illinois
On the final lap of our tour, we will visit Fulton Sheens tomb in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria, Illinois. In 1919, Fulton Sheen began a life marked by unwavering devotion to God and a pioneering spirit in using modern technology to share the message of Jesus with the world. While many remember him for his groundbreaking television series Life is Worth Living, his media ministry began earlier with the Sunday night radio program The Catholic Hour. Sheen’s impact extended far beyond the broadcast studio — for three decades, he served on the Board of Directors of the Catholic Medical Mission Board, raising millions of dollars to support missionary work around the globe.
In the same year he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, Sheen launched Life is Worth Living, which aired weekly on Tuesdays. His eloquence and charisma quickly captivated audiences, earning him an Emmy just two years later for Most Outstanding Television Personality — a remarkable achievement for a religious figure in mainstream media.
On the final lap of our tour, we will visit Fulton Sheens tomb in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria, Illinois. In 1919, Fulton Sheen began a life marked by unwavering devotion to God and a pioneering spirit in using modern technology to share the message of Jesus with the world. While many remember him for his groundbreaking television series Life is Worth Living, his media ministry began earlier with the Sunday night radio program The Catholic Hour. Sheen’s impact extended far beyond the broadcast studio — for three decades, he served on the Board of Directors of the Catholic Medical Mission Board, raising millions of dollars to support missionary work around the globe.
In the same year he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, Sheen launched Life is Worth Living, which aired weekly on Tuesdays. His eloquence and charisma quickly captivated audiences, earning him an Emmy just two years later for Most Outstanding Television Personality — a remarkable achievement for a religious figure in mainstream media.
Spiritual Director- Fr. Matthew Kuhn
