Whether you are looking for a new place to pray or somewhere to visit with your youth group, a religious shrine is sure to provide a unique religious experience. As Catholics, we have many religious shrines right here in Missouri. You don’t have to travel very far to make a pilgrimage to one of these extraordinary places.

Shrine of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

The Shrine of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne is located in St. Charles and is home to the tomb of Mother Duchesne. She was the founder of the first free school west of the Mississippi River, a missionary to the Native Americans and a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart. The surrounding garden and beautiful sanctuary containing a colorful tabernacle provide especially peaceful and relaxing places to pray.

Freshman Joe Hogan visited this shrine with his family and thoroughly enjoyed his experience. Joe said that one of his favorite parts of the experience was getting to learn about the life of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne.

“We toured places where St. [Rose] Philippine really lived and viewed many relics of hers. A tour guide gave us a ton of information at each station, so we learned about the creation of the school and her accomplishments on her path to sainthood,” said Hogan.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Found of the campus of St. Mary’s of the Barrens in Perryville, Missouri, this shrine was built in 1929 by the Promoters of the Association of the Miraculous Medal. Modeled after the medal, the back of the altar contains an “M” and a cross connected. The front of the altar is adorned with a beautiful statue depicting the image of Mary on the medal, and the words “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee,” are found above the altar. This breathtaking shrine is a must-see! While you visit, make sure to stop and use the kneeler in front of the altar as the perfect for peaceful prayer and meditation.

Shrine of St. Joseph

The Shrine of St. Joseph is one of the most beautiful churches in the Archdiocese, adorned with intricate murals and magnificent statues. This 19 century shrine in St. Louis is the site of not one, but two different miracles. This amazing site is a one-of-a-kind place to receive the Eucharist. Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 9:00 a.m., so make the trek to see a beautiful sanctuary.

Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows

This Marian shrine in Starkenburg, Missouri was dedicated in 1910. With painted ceilings, stained-glass windows, a stunning white marble altar and plenty of room, the shrine chapel is a wonderful place for quiet contemplation and prayer.

Sophomore Sophie Prinsen visited Our Lady of the Sorrows with her youth group in hopes to spend a day in prayer and have a sort of “mini-retreat.”

“The shrine was so peaceful and I spent a lot of time in prayer. I ended up getting a lot out of the trip and having a lot of fun too. I would really encourage anyone who wants to visit a religious shrine to do it because they are really beautiful and a great place to pray and reflect,” said Prinsen.

Sophomore Christian Hall also visited Our Lady of the Sorrows. He described his experience as a “spiritual awakening.”

“I didn’t know what to expect and it exceeded my expectations… Although much of the time I was alone, the group I went with all came together at the end to pray the stations of the cross. It enhanced my experience to be with such a strong faith community,” said Hall.

Whether you travel alone or with a group of friends, a visit to a religious shrine can be an incredibly powerful and moving experience. To make the most of your pilgrimage, be in a prayerful mindset and really be attentive to God’s presence. A visit to a religious shrine may be just the spiritual encounter your soul needs.