Read a brief Historical
Orientation
Saint Mary's of the Barrens was founded in 1818. The church was begun in 1827.
The Shrine was built in 1929 to honor our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
The National Shrine
 Since the building of the Shrine Chapel in 1929, the
church of St. Mary's of the Barrens has served as the National Shrine of
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Its architecture and decorations reflect its
long and interesting history. Over the main altar of the church is a large painting
of the Assumption of our Lady, indicating the original dedication of the edifice.
There are many other paintings in the church depicting the history of the Vincentian
community and various devotions. The Venerable Felix de Andreis, first superior
of the Vincentians in the New World, is buried beneath its floor.
Near the tomb of
Felix de Andreis is the chapel housing the Shrine of Our Lady of
the Miraculous Medal. Here a novena of Masses is
offered each month for members of the Association.
Here, too, petitions from all over the country are
placed near our Lady’s Altar. Adjacent to the
Shrine is the Votive Light Sanctuary.
Among the other Points of Interest
are many historic and devotional things to see and do at St. Mary's of
the Barrens, such as the grotto, the mound, and “Bishop Rosati's Log Cabin.”
Information for Visitors
Visitors to the Shrine are always welcome.
 The Church and the Shrine are handicap accessible.
Directions for Reaching
the Shrine
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is eighty miles south
of St. Louis, Missouri, on Interstate 55. To reach the Shrine, take the Highway
51, Perryville exit (No. 129) and go north toward Perryville on Highway 51.
At the junction of State Road “T” (St. Joseph Street) turn left. After
passing Progress Drive, the Shrine's entrance is the third drive on the left.
Approaching from the east (Illinois) follow State Highway 51 to the junction
of State Road “T” (St. Joseph Street) and turn right. Print these directions
to the Shrine Schedule of Services
| Masses |
Daily |
8:00 a.m. |
| Sunday |
11:00 a.m. |
|
Only exception is Christmas midnight Mass
|
| Novena Service |
Monday |
7:15 p.m. (followed by Mass) |
The sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is
available before the novena service on Monday evenings
and at other times by arrangement.
| Shrine Visitor Center - Gift Shop |
|
| Saturday - Sunday |
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Monday - Friday |
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
The Gift Shop is closed on holidays and holy days and
on the first Saturday and Sunday of August. |
Regular Guided Tour Schedule
You are welcome to visit the Shrine Chapel and the grounds at
any time of the year during daylight hours. Guided tours of
the Church are available on a regular
schedule.
| Saturday - Sunday |
1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. |
| Monday - Friday |
10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. |
No tours on holy days and holidays, and the first Saturday and Sunday of August.
Group Tour Arrangements
Group tours are available by previous appointment only. There is no
charge for the tours. Donations are accepted. For information,
telephone 1-800-264-MARY
(1-800-264-6279) or 1-573-547-8344, or write to:
Tour Information:
Association of the Miraculous Medal
1811 West Saint Joseph St.
Perryville, MO 63775-1598
Meals: Please call 1-800-264-MARY (1-800-264-6279) or 1-573-547-8344 for details.
Lodging: There are three motels in the Perryville area. Travelodge,
Comfort Inn, and a Super
8 Motel. (These links are for your information
only. There is no connection between the Shrine and the motels.) Other
hotels and motels are available in the area.
 Area Sites
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