Maintaining the Shrine
The Ongoing Problem
The Shrine of Our lady of the Woods was dedicated in 1955 and quickly became one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Today, the Shrine still stands as a glorious tribute to our Blessed Mother, but the elements take their toll on the statues, grottos, and tons of limestone used to build the structure.
The Project
In 2015, the parish of St. Mary Catholic Church, caretaker of the Shrine, developed and launched a comprehensive plan to excavate and address the water runoff that was damaging the grottos, replacement of the limestone that had become brittle over the years, to repair and detail all statues, and make other necessary improvements. The restoration was an ambitious 6-phase project estimated to cost $1.2 million.
Phases 1-5 Completed!
Phase 1-5 are done. The work focused predominantly on the back side of the Shrine replacing brittle limestone, repairing statues, addressing weather damage inside the Family Shrine and Our Lady of Czestochowa grottos, and refortifying the water barriers above them as well as repairing and sealing the front of the Shrine.
Our generous parishioners, visitors and other sources have completely funded all phases out of their dedication to this important Catholic Landmark.
Phase 6: The Last Section-
Completed in 2026!!
The remaining phase was the most difficult of the entire restoration. This was the removal and replacement of the patio stone that provides the steps and approaches to the front facade. We used Idaho quartz, a very tough stone, which will last many decades.