Bricks, Mortar, Mercy, Mary
Marians Break Ground on New Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine
In fall, the Marians broke ground on the new Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine on Eden Hill. With heavy equipment in the background, Br. Donald Schaefer, MIC, (right) oversees the construction for the Marians. Here, he explains a design point to Br. Michael Opalacz, MIC, and Br. Ron McBride, MIC.
The Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine has taken a major step forward with the beginning of actual construction.
The last week of September witnessed a flurry of activity on the Eden Hill site of the new facility, as construction crews began the excavation with heavy equipment. The new outdoor shrine will be located on the southern slope of Eden Hill, facing the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.
The alignment of the two sacred buildings signifies their unity in purpose: the Son and His mother seeking to bring the good news of God's limitless mercy to mankind.
"To see this project move from concept to actuality is exciting," says Br. Donald Schaefer, MIC, Treasurer of the Marians' Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province, based in Stockbridge, Mass. "This building will be a vehicle for mercy. Beyond bricks and mortar, we will see a shrine dedicated to the propagation of God's mercy."
Father Anthony Gramlich, MIC, Rector of the National Shrine, says the new outdoor shrine is scheduled for use by Divine Mercy Sunday 2008. "Day-to-day construction has been going smoothly," Fr. Anthony says. "We expect a usable structure to be in place for Mercy Sunday, so we can provide adequate protection for the liturgy in early Spring weather."
Interviewed at the construction site, Br. Donald said the greatest challenge for the project was "getting it to where we are today: formulating the plans, obtaining the permits, and handling the numerous preliminary logistics."
Brother Donald says other challenges remain, including the need for more fundraising. The Marians kept their promise that, as faithful stewards, they would not begin work until they had raised most of the money. To date, just over $775,000 of the $1.3 million project has been raised — about $400,000 in donations and the remainder as in-kind contributions by the construction companies and suppliers involved.
"Fundraising is our next biggest challenge," Br. Donald says. "To construct a building like this is not an inexpensive proposition. It will only happen if enough people continue to commit themselves to this project."
To send your gift for the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine. 
As a way of celebrating the expected completion by spring, we are giving away a wonderful trip for two to one lucky winner. Please click here to be entered into our giveaway.
Memorials and Tributes at The New Outdoor Shrine
For an offering of $25 or more, your name will be listed in the Book of Founding Contributors, which will be kept in the sanctuary of the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine.
For gifts of $100 or more, you may request to have your name or the name of a loved one inscribed in one of the following ways at the new outdoor shrine:
- For a gift of $100, in a chair.
- For a gift of $250, in a window.
- For a gift of $500, in a frieze in one of the wings.
Other gift opportunities include chairs for the choirs and pilgrims, the stained-glass windows, the celebrant's and concelebrants' chairs, the altar, the tabernacle, the crucifix, the lectern, the music board, and the sound system.
All benefactors and those they honor at the outdoor shrine will be remembered daily in Holy Mass and the Perpetual Novena to The Divine Mercy at the National Shrine.
To learn more about these opportunities, please contact Fr. Joseph's assistant toll free at 1-800-671-2020 or at memorials@marian.org.