Pacific, Missouri: The Black Madonna Shrine
About Brother Bronislaus:
When the Franciscan Missionary Brothers came to this area from Poland in 1927, among them was Brother Bronislaus Lusczc. Brother Bronislaus had a special devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa (the Black Madonna) in his native Poland. Growing up near the Shrine in Poland, he would often marvel at the pilgrims who came from afar to visit.
Desiring to spread devotion to the Black Madonna in his new country, in 1937 he cleared a portion of the land and built a small chapel. Soon crowds began to be attracted to the shrine. Unfortunately, in 1958, an arsonist set fire to the chapel and it was burned to the ground. It has been replaced by the open-air Chapel of the Hills.
The Black Madonna Shrine in Pacific, Missouri:
Today, devotion to the Black Madonna continues. Here in the rolling hills you will find several outdoor grottoes open to the public spread over 300 acres. In addition to the Black Madonna Shrine and the Chapel of the Hills, there is also the Crucifixion Grotto, the Saint Francis Grotto, the Sacred Heart Chapel, and Our Lady of the Angels Monastery where some of the Brothers live.
There is no fee for admission. The Shrine is run by the Franciscan Brothers, who get no support from the Diocese and depend upon donations for 100% of the operating expenses, so your generosity is appreciated.
Self-guided tours of the grounds are available as well as making arrangements for pilgrim groups.
Masses are offered on Sundays and Holidays at 10:00 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel. There is also a gift shop at the shrine.
The shrine is open year round. Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. May through September; 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. April and October; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.November through March.
Traveling to the Black Madonna Shrine in Pacific, MO:
The Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos is located about eight miles outside Eureka, Missouri, in the town of Pacific. It is a short drive from Saint Louis.
Address: 100 St Josephs Hill Rd, Pacific, MO 63069
Tel: +1 (636) 938-536
Click here for the official website of the Black Madonna Shrine in Eureka, Missouri.
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