OUR LADY OF THE
ROSARY SHRINE
The Shrine is open all year for personal prayers and meditations. The Rosarian priests are available at the shrine for confession and spiritual direction. On Shrine Days Holy Mass is celebrated in the centre of the Rosary Trail, on the site of the first church which was built in 1855. Each year Shrine Days are celebrated July 2, 13, 16, August 13-22, and September 12, 13, 14 and 15.
In 1995, three ladies of the parish were given permission by the parish priest to start a Rosary Trail in the wooded area behind the church and cemetery. Thanks to many donations, dedication of hours of work and prayer of numerous volunteers, what began as “Our Lady’s Garden” has now become the home to Our Lady of the Rosary London Diocesan Shrine.
The original Diocesan Shrine was located in St. Mary’s, Ontario, since it’s construction in 1954 and official dedication by Bishop Cody in 1963. At the close of the 1998 celebrations, Bishop Sherlock then moved the site to St. Patrick’s Church in Merlin.
Our Lady of the Rosary Shrine requires many dedicated volunteers to perform a variety of roles. Shrine Volunteers are passionate people who freely provide their time and energy to support the great work, beauty and growth of our Shrine.
If you are interested in assisting pilgrims from all over the region or in helping from behind the scenes, and nourishing one’s own spiritual life, maybe adopting a shrine garden, please consider becoming a volunteer. Contact
A DAY AT THE SHRINE
Secular Franciscan Day
Saturday, June 14 2025
SHRINE DAYS
✣ PILGRIMAGE
There are four beautiful trails to experience: “The Rosary Trail”, “The Saints Trail” (featuring over 90 statues), “The Approved Apparitions Trail” and “The Stations of the Cross Trail”. Lighting is installed throughout the Shrine grounds. There is a picnic area and washrooms available. We invite you to bring your own picnic lunch and lawn chair. “The Sanctuary” will be open during Shrine Days for all your religious needs.
If you are planning a group visit, please contact the Office at 519-689-7760. We welcome schools and any groups for retreat days. Contact us for more information and dates available.
See EVENTS CALENDAR to view ALL events happening at the Church & Shrine.
NO PETS ALLOWED: Service Animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome.
LATEST:
We now have new Shrine Song Books (printed courtesy of Melady Funeral Home) for our Pilgrims to enjoy. Limited number of 100. (on days of large attendance then please share) Plus during the August Shrine Days there will be additional onsite washroom facilities to accommodate larger crowds.
Also new is our official Facebook account [Our Lady of the Rosary Diocesan Shrine]. Please follow us at facebook.com/olrshrine for the latest info and pictures depicting shrine events.
THE SANCTUARY: Gifts & Books of Faith Store
(originally The Gift Cabin) located near Shrine entrance.
“For all your faith based needs”
Opened only on Shrine Days 10:00am – 3:00pm
(or visit The Sanctuary online from their store in Kingsville )
SHRINE SCHEDULE
- Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available outdoors.
- Store will be open for sale of religious items. No food or drinks.
- Volunteers will assist with seating.
- Washrooms are available in the church basement for men and women, and in the rectory basement for women. A portable accessible washroom will also be available.
- Holy Mass
- The Angelus
- Lunch Break (free time to view trails) Picnic Tables available.
- Rosary Procession (along the Rosary Trail)
- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
- Reflection
- Divine Mercy Chaplet
- Benediction
- Litany to Our Lady of Fatima.
- Holy Water will be available daily after Mass.** Please bring your own containers**
EVENTS CALENDAR 2025
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LATEST SHRINE NEWS
Christmas Message
Dear brothers and sisters,
The whole world is preparing to celebrate a very special birthday of Jesus. The
Christmas is finally here. During our journey through Advent we have been waiting
and praying for the coming blessing of Christmas.
The joy of Christmas is for everyone. It is a time for all of us to be glad, because
the one who was born on this day is life itself. Our hope for, and way into, eternal
life. When God becomes human in Jesus, our humanity is fully embraced by the
divine, and nobody is excluded.
Through Mary, Jesus Christ our Saviour has taken upon himself our humanity. He
has entered into our history to become one of us. Christmas day is not only the
birthday of Christ; it is our birthday too, our birth into everlasting or eternal life.
My brothers and sisters: Today, as you enjoy the opening of your presents, or enjoy
those that have been opened – as you enjoy visiting your relatives and enjoy your
special Christmas feast, in all things glorify God for what you have heard and are
experiencing personally.
As we are welcoming the New Year 2026, it is the most appropriate time for us to
pray for peace which the child Jesus brought to the world – for ourselves, for our
families, our neighbours, our community and for the whole world which faces war,
violence and natural disaster. Also let us be the instrument of peace and hope to the
world like the child Jesus, so that the celebration of Christmas would be
meaningful and fruitful in our time.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best of Health, Wealth and
Happiness in the Happy New Year.
Rosarian Fathers
Merlin
Have you checked out the section WAYS TO GET INVOLVED? (located on the Home Page) There will be more topics coming as “things open up”. In the meatime check out the one called PRAYER. There are weekly prayers and monthly devotions.