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
GARDENS UP FOR ADOPTION:
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.
NEW THIS YEAR:
We now have new Shrine Song Books 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.
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 )


Pilgrimage Days for the JUBILEE YEAR
July 21, Aug 4, 9 (2025)
Pilgrims can make a pilgrimage to Rome or other designated holy sites around the world to participate in the Jubilee and obtain indulgences. Bishop Fabbro has designated OUR LADY of the ROSARY SHRINE as a Jubilee Pilgrimage site. Embark on a pilgrimage of Hope, so that, “Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it.”
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
|DATE
|EVENT
|CELEBRANT
June 14
Secular Franciscan Day
June 21
Philippino Community from Windsor Annual Pilgrimage
July 02
Shrine Day 11 am . Holy Mary, Handmaid of the Lord
Rev. Romeo Fernandas, Cap.
July 13
Shrine Day 11 am . Sunday Readings
Rosarians / Homilist: Dcn. Jerry Lozon
July 16
Shrine Day 11 am . The Blessed Virgin Mary, Cause of Our Joy
Rev. Tom Ferrera
July 21
Pilgrimage Day for the Jubilee Year
Rev. Peter Amszej
July 23
Diocese CWL Shrine Day
Aug 2
Shrine Preparation Day . 9:30 am followed by BBQ/potluck lunch … ALL WELCOME TO HELP
Aug 4
Pilgrimage Day for the Jubilee Year
Rev. Chris Pietraszko
Aug 5
Chatham Youth Adult Group anual work of Mercy, 6.30 pm
Aug 9
Pilgrimage Day for the Jubilee Year
Rev. Arockiadoss Velanganni, OFM Cap.
Aug 13
Shrine Day 11 am . Blessed Mary, Image & Mother of the Church
Rev. Seejo John
Aug 14
Shrine Day 11 am . The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mediatrix of Grace
Rev. Mike Dwyer
Aug 14
Shrine Day 8 pm . Vigil for “The Assumption of the B. V. Mary”
Rev. Mike Dwyer
Aug 15
Shrine Day 11 am . Solemnity “Assumption of the B. V. Mary”
*Lunch available for purchase by the Knights of Columbus*
Bishop Ronald Peter Fabbro CBS
Aug 16
Shrine Day 11 am . The Blessed Virgin Mary, Temple of the Lord
Rev. Danny Santos
Aug 17
Shrine Day 11 am . Sunday Readings
Rosarians / Homilist: Dcn. Raymond Girard
Aug 18
Shrine Day 11 am . Holy Mary, the New Eve
Rev. Matesz Sobierajski
Aug 19
Shrine Day 11 am . Holy Mary, Queen and Mother of Mercy
Rev. T.J. Vandermeer
Aug 20
Shrine Day 11 am . Blessed Virgin Mary, Resurrection of the Lord
Rev. Greg Bonin
Aug 21
Shrine Day 11 am . Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick – Anointing of the Sick
Rev. Vince Gulikers
Aug 21
Shrine Day 8 pm . Vigil Mass for “The Queenship of Mary”
Rev. Timothy Scott
Aug 22
Shrine Day 11 am . Feast of Queenship of Blessed Virgin Mary
Rev. Rob Rocheleau
Aug 30
Shrine Day for Sri Lankan Tamil Community
Sept 12
Shrine Day 11 am . The Most Holy Name of Mary
Rev. Mark Poulin
Sept 13
Shrine Day 11 am . St. John Chrisostom Memorial
Rev. Jayson, Cap
Sept 14
Shrine Day 11 am . Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Rosarians / Homilist: Dcn. Tim Raaymakers
Sept 15
Shrine Day 11 am . Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
Rev. Paul Kim
LATEST SHRINE NEWS
SHRINE DAYS 2025
Dear friends and pilgrims,
This year is a truly extraordinary moment in our spiritual journey. The Church has gifted us with the Jubilee Year of HOPE—a sacred season of renewal, healing, and grace. In this blessed time, our Shrine has been designated as a Pilgrimage Site for the Jubilee Year, offering pilgrims the opportunity to receive Jubilee graces and plenary indulgences.
What makes this year even more special?
Our Shrine Days are soon upon us. Traditionally, we celebrate 21 grace-filled days during the summer—but this year, three additional special days have been added, making room for even more moments of blessing and grace.
Each Shrine Day follows a beautiful rhythm of prayer and encounter:
- Holy Mass at 11:00 AM begins our day together.
- We then share a lunch break in fellowship.
- In the afternoon, we come together for the recitation of the Holy Rosary.
- The day concludes in reverence with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available throughout the day for those who seek the healing embrace of God’s mercy.
To make this Jubilee Year even more meaningful and welcoming, we are introducing some joyful additions:
- Newly printed Shrine Song Books to help us praise God in unity and spirit.
- Improved onsite facilities for your comfort and ease during pilgrimage.
And behind it all, our dedicated team of volunteers, who have been working with love and devotion to prepare every detail—making this year extra special for each and every pilgrim who walks through our gates. Let this be the year you make your pilgrimage of hope. Bring your intentions, your gratitude, your loved ones, and your heart.
Come. Be renewed.
Come. Received the Grace.
Come. Experience the Jubilee Year of Hope.
Rosarian Fathers
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.