About Our Lady of Mount Carmel Monastery in Munster, Indiana:
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Monastery in Munster was founded in 1952 by a group of Polish Discalced Carmelite friars who came to America after World War II to devote themselves to the pastoral care of their countrymen. This serene spiritual center and pilgrimage site is famous for its peaceful outdoor shrines, grottoes, mineral-encrusted chapels, and masses offered in both English and Polish.
The grounds here at the Shrine are comprised of the Marian Grotto, the Stations of the Cross (of which the 14th Station, the Grotto of the Lord’s Tomb, deserves special attention), the monastery church (with the miraculous figure of Our Lady of Ludźmierz, Queen of the Polish Highlanders), the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy, and the Highlanders’ Chapel, among others.
To emphasize the inexpressible spiritual beauty of God’s mercy, they have assembled many statues made of Italian Carrara marble in their grottoes and chapels. These statues, sculpted by Italian artists, are decorated with many unusual minerals, crystals, and rock formations. Nestled among the trees in the quiet of the garden are figures of Polish saints and others associated with Carmel: St. Therese of the Child Jesus (and St. Louis Martin, her father), St. Raphael Kalinowski, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and St. John Paul II.
Visitors can walk through immersive man-made caves and chapels adorned with glowing crystal formations and religious statues. The grounds and church are open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (be sure to check their website for any updates). For a complete schedule of services and seasonal events, you can visit the official Carmelite Fathers website link below.
The property serves as an active monastery and a popular spiritual retreat. Daily Masses are held throughout the week. Sunday includes Polish masses at 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM, and an English mass at 10:00 AM. Confessions are available during Sunday masses. (Check their website for any changes to this schedule).
Traveling to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Monastery in Munster, Indiana:
Munster is 35 miles south of Chicago.
Address: 1628 Ridge Rd, Munster, IN
Visit the official website of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Monastery in Munster, Indiana