National Shrine of
the Divine Mercy
En Español
April 21, 2012: 8 AM departure, 6-7 PM return
The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy (Stockbridge, MA) is a ministry of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the authentic promoters of the message of The Divine Mercy. Located in the heart
of the Berkshire Hills in western Massachusetts, the Shrine sits on 350 acres, known as Eden Hill.
Prior to the Marians' arrival, Eden Hill had been the home of an early Christian mission to the Stockbridge
Indians by Rev. John Sergeant. His home, known as the Mission House, can now be visited on Main Street in
Stockbridge, where it was moved in 1927. The property known as Eden Park was originally purchased in 1855
by David Dudley Field, Jr. In 1906, S.W. Woodward, a successful businessman (Woodward & Lothrop) of
Washington, DC, purchased the property and built the current house, then known as Eden Hall. It replaced
the Field residence which was either demolished or moved. Over the years Eden Hall was owned by several
families, and by 1938 it had become St. Edmund's School — an Episcopalian preparatory school for boys.
In 1950, the construction of the Shrine of The Divine Mercy was entrusted to Antonio Guerrieri, a
74-year-old resident of Stockbridge. In 1960, ten years after the Marians first broke ground, the Shrine
to The Divine Mercy was dedicated — debt free — by Bishop Christopher Weldon, bishop of Springfield, MA.
In addition to Guerrieri's extensive woodwork, it is the Shrine's 36 stained glass windows and two mosaics that give it light and character. Created by artist Fred Leuchs, the various glass and mosaics
portray the mercy of God through Scripture. The fourteen Stations of the Cross were imported from Spain.
The altar is made of Vermont marble and is accented by the emblem of the Sacred Heart. It holds the
tabernacle for reserving the Eucharist. Above the altar stands the Image of Jesus The Divine Mercy
surrounded by His Apostles. The Apostles figures were hand carved by Ferdinando Perathones of Northern
Italy. (He also carved the bas relief of St. Faustina in the side chapel dedicated to her.)
Just above the Image of Jesus The Divine Mercy is a white carrara marble statue of Mary, the Immaculate
Conception. The mural above the statue of the Immaculate Conception depicts Our Lady being crowned by
the Holy Trinity as Queen of heaven and earth.
In 1960 the Shrine of The Divine Mercy was dedicated by Bishop Christopher Weldon, bishop of Springfield, MA.
And in 1996, the Shrine, built in honor of The Divine Mercy and Mary Immaculate, was honored with the title
of National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.
In 2000, St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, the secretary of Divine Mercy, was canonized on Divine Mercy Sunday and
the Feast of Divine Mercy officially proclaimed by Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's in Rome. The Shrine is
the site for the largest celebration in the Northeast of the Feast of The Divine Mercy, which is held each
year on the Sunday after Easter.
This Shrine offers many opportunities for inspiration and devotion. Visit the many statues and candle shrines
like the Lourdes Candle Grotto and Holy Family Shrine. The groves of St. Therese and St. Francis' each offer
an oasis for silent prayer and contemplation. Several sites on Eden Hill, including the Mother of Mercy
Outdoor Shrine and the Shrine of the Holy Innocents, devoted to deceased children, offer unique memorial a
nd devotional opportunities. The Shrine is also the geographic and spiritual home of the Association of
Marian Helpers.
PRICE: $45 per person, includes:
- round trip chartered bus with lavatory.
- Mass with tour group.
- prayer service by Fr. Tomas Del Valle-Reyes.
Please note:
- Bring your own lunch.
- Religious items available for purchase from
Discovering the 21st Century.
- Gift shop on grounds.
TOUR GROUP MEETS AT 8:00 AM at:
ST. COLUMBA CHURCH, 343 WEST 25 STREET
BET. 8TH & 9TH AVENUES, MANHATTAN
TOUR BUS DEPARTS PROMPTLY AT 8:30 AM.
RETURN: TOUR DEPARTS BETWEEN 6-7 PM TO ST. COLUMBA CHURCH.
FOR INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS CONTACT MERCEDES TORRES:
TELS. 212-244 4778; 917-499-9715
E-MAIL: RADIOSIGLOXXI@AOL.COM