National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Located at: 1805 W St Joseph St, Perryville, MO 63775
(Select the address for a map and directions to the Shrine)

Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Seminary and Church was founded in 1818 by the Vincentian Fathers. The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was added to the church in 1929 through the generosity of the Promoters and members of the Association.

While looking at the altar of the Shrine, the elements of the front and the back of the Miraculous Medal are evident.

The statue above the altar and the words in the archway, “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee, ” depict the front of the medal. The back of the medal is depicted in the base of the altar with the large “M” surmounted by a cross to demonstrate that Mary’s mission is united with that of her son, Jesus.

Beneath the “M” are the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The twelve stars that encircle the back of the medal are a double reminder. They can refer to the apostles, who represent the entire Church as it surrounds Mary. They are also reminders of the vision of Saint John, in which “a great sign appeared in heaven, a woman, clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.”

On either side of the tabernacle door are the hearts of Our Lady and Jesus. The marble altar, which is used when Mass is celebrated in the Shrine, was constructed in July 2004, from the altar in the old novitiate building.

Within the chapel, a novena of Masses is offered each month for members of the Association. Here, too, petitions from all over the world are placed near Our Lady’s Altar. Adjacent to the Shrine is the newly renovated Votive Light Sanctuary.

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 side altars in the church, adorned with paintings and statues depicting the Vincentian community and those who were entrusted with various devotions.

The Venerable Felix de Andreis, first superior of the Vincentians in the New World, is buried beneath the floor near the chapel housing the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Among the other points of interest are the historic grotto, the mound featuring a statue of Our Lady of Victory, the Miraculous Moments area, the Marian Meditation Walk, statues of various saints, and “Bishop Rosati’s Log Cabin.”

Visitors to the Shrine are always welcome. The church, Shrine and grounds are all handicapped accessible.

In 1830, while the church was still under construction, it began to be used for worship. In 1837, St. Mary’s of the Barrens Church was officially consecrated. It served as the parish church for the Catholics of Perryville, Missouri, until 1965. It is truly a special place of devotion. Over the many years since our church doors first opened, people have come from all over the world to share in Mass, sit in prayerful reflection, and to take photos of remembrance.

Today, thanks to the world of virtual reality, viewers can explore Our Lady’s National Shrine and Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Church from home.

I encourage you to click on our 360-degree tour and explore the church. I know you will be impressed, just as they were in the early 1800s when our doors first opened.