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 WORK OF MERCY
On the evening of Tuesday, August 13, 2024, about 14 members of the Chatham Young Adult Group, under the direction of Father John Jasica, came to Our Lady of the Rosary Shrine. They asked, “We would like to do a work of mercy.” While there, they worked for an hour and a half in the Shrine area, prayed a Rosary and shared aspects of the Faith.
*That was so generous of your time. God Bless you.*
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 Gift Cabin, now called “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.
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 )
LATEST SHRINE NEWS
Rosarians Lenten Message
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ. As we enter the sacred season of Lent, we are invited into a time of deep reflection, repentance, and renewal. Lent is not just a period of fasting and abstinence; it is a spiritual journey that calls us to draw closer to God by purifying our hearts and renewing our commitment to Him. Lent mirrors the forty days Jesus spent in the desert, fasting and praying, preparing for His public ministry. In the same way, we are called to retreat from distractions, examine our lives, and make room for God’s grace to transform us. The three pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—are not mere rituals but powerful means to realign our hearts with God’s will. Prayer deepens our relationship with God, reminding us that we are His beloved children. Fasting helps us detach from worldly comforts, teaching us to rely on God’s providence rather than material things. Almsgiving challenges us to live selflessly, extending God’s love and mercy to those in need.Spiritually. Lent is a time to confront our weaknesses, seek God’s mercy, and allow His grace to renew us. It is a journey from sin to salvation, from darkness to light, from death to resurrection. If we embrace this season with sincerity, Easter will not just be a celebration of Christ’s victory over death but also a renewal of our own spiritual lives. Let us, therefore, walk this Lenten journey with faith, humility, and a sincere desire to grow in holiness, trusting that God will lead us to the joy of His resurrection.
God bless.
Rosarians
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.