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Visit Historic
Saint Mary's of the Barrens

Founded 1818  
 
 
photo of Mary and the Shrine Church
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

Shrine of Our Lady
of the Miraculous Medal 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. 
Wheelchair Graphic The Church and the Shrine are handicap accessible. 

Visit the Shrine map

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
AMM | 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.

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