About Our Lady of South Carolina Shrine, Our Lady of Our Joyful Hope in Kingstree, South Carolina:
The Shrine was established in 2003 by Father Stanley Smolenski, SPMA, with the blessing of Bishop Robert J. Baker, and houses over 200 relics collected by Father Smolenski during his three years of study in Rome.
Originally the chapel served as Saint Anne Church, which was relocated to a larger space, thereby freeing up their little chapel to become Our Lady of Joyful Hope, a Diocesan Shrine.
Another unique aspect of the shrine is the 200 relics housed there, all collected by Father Stan during his three years of study in Rome.
People also support the two Marian events held each year — one in May for the month of Mary and the other in October for the month of the rosary — although those were cancelled until pandemic restrictions were lifted.
The grounds are still open to the public, though the chapel is locked. Father Stan celebrates Mass every day around 1 p.m., and reservations are encouraged, Bell said.
“As Mary awaited in joyful hope for the birth of her son, Jesus, the long-awaited Messianic King, so we await his graces now and, finally, his second coming with similar joyful hope,” Father Stan concluded.
Traveling to the Shrine of Our Lady of Our Joyful Hope in Kingstree, South Carolina:
The Shrine is located about 70 miles west of the popular tourist area of Myrtle Beach.
Address: 330 E Main St, Kingstree, SC 29556
Tel: +1 (843) 355-3527
There is no official website for the shrine.
