Holidays are special at Maria Stein Shrine
MARIA STEIN – Creating family traditions is a cherished activity around the
holidays. This year along with the light
shows and Christmas parades, check out the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics where the spirit of love and
peace abounds all year long. You can create those family memories that will truly
enhance your celebrations for years to come.
From Nov. 26, through Jan. 9, the
Shrine will again be hosting a Nativity Exhibit from the recently donated collection of Tim and Katheleen Nealeigh. You will be
able to view more than 60 nativity sets
and see how the simple scene of Christ in the manger with Mary and Joseph has been
interpreted in many cultures over the years. The Relic
Shrine’s first floor Gathering Space will
be filled with sets from differing time periods, cultures, and artistic mediums. It is a wonderful reminder
of the true meaning of Christmas as well to foster discussion
about how this holiday has been observed
by many different cultures from across the globe. Since the first
nativity scene was developed by Saint Francis of Assisi, different people have been putting their own spin on the birth of Christ. This display of nativities showcases the various ways Jesus’
birth has been interpreted. Bring the whole family for this wonderful reminder of the reason for the
season with this free exhibit. It is open to the public during the
normal Shrine Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:30 to 6, Friday and Saturday 9:30 to 4, and noon to 4 on
Sundays. They are closed December 24-27, 2021, and December 31, 2021-January 2, 2022.
For a special event, the kids will long remember, make your reservations for the Maria Stein Shrine’s
annual St. Nicholas Celebration. Taking place on December
5th from 2 pm to 4 pm, the afternoon includes
activities, prayers, pictures with St. Nicholas, cookies, cocoa,
and plenty of holiday fun. The event is $10
per child and reservations can be made online at mariasteinshrine.org.
When the hustle and bustle of the holiday
season feels a bit overwhelming, a visit to the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics may
be just the right tonic for your soul. This
quiet place of peace and prayer provides a great opportunity to
sit and reflect on one’s blessings. It is a great chance to slow down,
breathe, take stock, and leave with a clearer mind and a grateful heart. An added bonus when you visit is a stop at the Shrine’s Pilgrim Gift Shop. It is a wonderful place to
shop for Christmas gifts. From children’s books to jewelry, to beautiful nativity sets and many other inspirational gifts you will find many special items for your loved
ones at the Pilgrim Gift Shop.
The Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics provides faith nourishment and
spiritual renewal through opportunities for prayer and pilgrimage and inspiration from the lives of the saints. People from
around the world visit the shrine to explore
and enjoy this environment rich in holiness and history. The Relic Chapel is home to the second largest
collection of relics of the saints in the United States.
The Shrine is located at 2291 St. John’s Road in Maria Stein. To learn more about the Maria Stein Shrine of
the Holy Relics, visit www.mariasteinshrine.org or call 419925-4532.
For more great holiday travel inspiration
check out www. Greatergrandlakeregion.com.