The shrine was home to Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852), who lived here in the years 1819-1827 and 1834-1840.
The church, in the background, was originally constructed in 1819-1821, and has been enlarged and restored since. The brick structure replaces a log church dating from 1790. The old school, foreground, dates from 1888.
The church is owned by a non-profit organization, but it remains consecrated, and Holy Mass is sometimes offered here.
The rectory now houses a bookstore and museum, as well as the confessional used by Mother Duchesne.
The Convent where Mother Duchesne lived, dating from 1819. Click here for photos of the interior.
The nave of the church. The pews are original, and are rather small for contemporary Americans. The high altar dates from 1881, and replaces older altars which can be found elsewhere on the premises, including in the convent.
The unusual arched ceiling give the church excellent acoustics.
A statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is above the center of the altar of sacrifice. Beneath are relics of the martyr Saint Valentine, in an effigy. The paintings are thought to be from the workshop of Rubens.
The altar is ready for a Gregorian Mass.
The Blessed Sacrament is not reserved here.
A balcony in the convent offers a view of the altar.
Pipe organ in the choir loft.
Mark unrelated comment/thought. I was watching the travel guru Rick Steves yesterday and I was finally enough concerned that I googled the following phrase "is Rick Steves anti-Catholic" and was astounded by the number of sites that came back. I have watched with facination his travel shows over the years any only recently have I noticed what sounded like jabs at the Catholic Church. Perhaps was just wasn't listening before but my concerns must be felt by many others. I am able to differentiate the political/historical "church" from Catholicism and am still detect some bias in his statements have you ever given this any thought?
ReplyDeleteI used to enjoy watching Rick Steves' show on PBS and didn't notice a bias, although this was before my conversion. Steves is a practicing Lutheran which undoubtably shapes his viewpoint.
ReplyDeleteDo you know if a visiting priest would be able to use the glorious altar to pray an mass in the Extraordinary form?
ReplyDeleteWe wondered this, as well.
DeleteWell I have a few Lutheran friends and would have to say this attitude is not evident in them! However the blogs and other sites seem to indicate that his wife is/was Catholic and that his mother in law continues to be.
ReplyDeleteMother in law! That explains it!
ReplyDeleteChristopher,
ReplyDeleteI have no idea... you might want to contact the Shrine, which is linked at the top of the article.
I lived here at the shrine from 1988-2009. My residence was on the second floor of the rectory wing. I dearly love this old place. I was proud of all that I, by the grace of God was able to accomplish in my twenty years here.It may sound strange but what i really miss is all the hard work that went into being the cartaker. All the cleaning,repairing,painting and all the wonderful yard work. I hope that these pictures convey to you something of my committment to the shrine.
ReplyDelete