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
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.
Shrine Song Books (printed courtesy of Melady Funeral Home) are for our Pilgrims to enjoy. Limited number (on days of large attendance then please share) During August Shrine Days there will be additional onsite washroom facilities to accommodate larger crowds.
Our official Facebook account is 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 2026
|DATE
|EVENT
|CELEBRANT
April 25
Shrine Cleanup Day . 9:30 am – 12:30 pm … ALL WELCOME TO HELP
July 02
Shrine Day 11 am . Holy Mary, Handmaid of the Lord
July 13
Shrine Day 11 am . The Blessed Virgin Mary, Temple of the Lord
July 16
(OM: Our Lady of Mount Carmel – distribution of scapulars)
Aug 13
Shrine Day 11 am . Blessed Mary, Image & Mother of the Church
Aug 14
Shrine Day 11 am . The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mediatrix of Grace
Aug 14
Shrine Day 8 pm . Vigil for “The Assumption of the B. V. Mary”
Aug 15
Shrine Day 11 am . Solemnity “Assumption of the B. V. Mary”
*Lunch available for purchase by the Knights of Columbus* Cash only
Aug 16
Shrine Day 11 am . Sunday Readings
Aug 17
Shrine Day 11 am . The Blessed Virgin Mary, Seat of Wisdom
Aug 18
Shrine Day 11 am . Holy Mary, the New Eve
Aug 19
Shrine Day 11 am . Holy Mary, Queen and Mother of Mercy
Aug 20
Shrine Day 11 am . Blessed Virgin Mary, Resurrection of the Lord
Aug 21
Shrine Day 11 am . Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick – Anointing of the Sick
Aug 21
Shrine Day 8 pm . Vigil Mass for “The Queenship of Mary”
Aug 22
Shrine Day 11 am . Feast of Queenship of Blessed Virgin Mary
Aug 30
Shrine Day for Sri Lankan Tamil Community
Sept 12
Shrine Day 11 am . The Most Holy Name of Mary
Sept 13
Shrine Day 11 am . Sunday Readings
Sept 14
Shrine Day 11 am . Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sept 15
Shrine Day 11 am . Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
LATEST SHRINE NEWS
EASTER MESSAGE
As the Congregation of the Rosarians serving in this parish, we joyfully share with you the hope and peace of Easter. The Resurrection of the Lord reminds us that no darkness is stronger than His light, no sorrow greater than His promise, and no sin more powerful than His mercy. In these times, as darkness weighs heavily over countries in the Middle East and impacts the whole world, let us continue to pray for those who are suffering and for their leaders. May they come to experience the hope, peace, and joy of the Resurrection.
May the Risen Jesus renew your families with faith, fill your hearts with joy, and strengthen our Church Community in love and unity. We Rosarians are deeply grateful for your prayers, support, and the beautiful witness of faith you offer each day.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and joyful Easter!
With prayers and gratitude.
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.