Sorrowful Mother Shrine, a place to reflect, find peace

Gazette Intern

The Sorrowful Mother Shrine has been receiving visitors from across the country for over 150 years.

Located just six miles south of Bellevue on St. Rt. 269, the orginal shrine was built in 1850 by Father Francis de Sales Brunner. Various shrines have replaced the orginal, the current one being built in 1914.

A typical weekend at the shrine consists of three masses: Saturdays at 4 p.m., Sundays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Between 500 and 600 visitors attend mass each weekend.

In 1968 the outdoor Pieta Chapel was built with a larger holding capacity. In the months of May through October, normal mass is held outdoors.

Besides mass, the shrine offers devotional services and confessions. Confessions begin a half hour before all masses or by request.

The shrine is also a great place for a day of devotion or retreats.

Throughout the year, the shrine offers Special Ethnic Sundays. Examples of these special days are Italian Sunday, Hispanic Sunday, Polish Sunday, and Chaldean Day. On Italian Sunday around 2,000 visitors come to the shrine. During these masses the language of that group is used. The shrine must bring in a Polish or Italian priest for the mass. These days are unique and offer something special for all in attendance.

"People want to make a pilgrimage and we let them celebrate according to their background and culture," said Father Yuri Kuzara, who has been director of the shrine for five years.

Many visitors of the Sorrowful Mother's Shrine come simply to walk the grounds. The shrine property consists of 160 acres; 120 of which are paved walking trails. There are maps available marking each statue, grotto, memorial, and the stations of the cross.

Elizabeth King has worked at the shrine for 19 years and currently is the director of finance. This year the shrine has been busy with projects and special programs. This year marks the 2,000th anniversary of St. Paul's birth.

Also, a lot is being done for the upkeep of the grounds. The wall at the entrance to the shrine was just restored and re-landscaped. The pilgrim center was repainted and re-landscaped. Also, the shrine is looking to re-finish all the blacktops. By the end of the year, the shrine will have a new organ. Mrs. Tym Kewicz is donating the organ to the shrine.

Whether you want to worship, or simply walk the beautiful grounds the Sorrowful Mother's Shrine is worth a visit.

Any questions concerning mass or devotion times can contact the shrine at 419-483-3435 or look on their website at www.sorrowfulmothershrine.com.