"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." Mary has become really present in the mystery of Christ precisely because she has believed.
-Saint John Paul II, "Redemptoris Mater"
Our Lady of Faith Shrine is an initiative of the Holy Spirit stemming from Pope Benedict XVI's proclamation of a Year of Faith for 2012-2013. The Shrine is a growing devotional site, particularly for May pilgrimages to Our Lady. We pray that the Shrine continues to grow and serve as a source of graces to revive concrete devotions to the Mother of God in Central Iowa and beyond.
Journey to the Shrine
You can pull into the south driveway and follow the trail or pull into the north (house) driveway and go straight on the path to the right of the machine shed.
Directions to the Shrine from Interstate 80
- Take exit 216 toward Marengo/N English
- Turn South onto M Ave (V66) for 2.2 miles
- Turn right (West) onto 240th St (F46) for 1.0 miles
- Continue straight (West) at the fork to stay on 240th St for 1.0 miles
- Turn left (South) onto K Ave for 3.4 miles
- 2738 K Avenue, Williamsburg, IA, 52361 will be on your left
Directions to the Shrine from Highway 22
- Head North onto M Ave (Hwy 149)
- Follow Hwy 149 (through North English) for 11.2 miles
- Turn left (West) onto F22 Trail for 1.0 miles
- Turn right (North) onto L Ave for 0.8 miles
- Turn left (West) onto 280th St for 1.0 miles
- Turn right (North) onto K Ave for 0.6 miles
- 2738 K Avenue, Williamsburg, IA, 52361 will be on your right
How to Make a Marian Pilgrimage
- Read the devotional guide May Pilgrimages in the Footsteps of St. Josemaria to help you prepare for the pilgrimage (click button above to download)
- Find a local shrine or church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary - we recommend Our Lady of Faith Shrine!
- Invite a couple of friends or family members to accompany you
- Keep a spirit of prayer and penance (going at least part of the way on foot, if possible, and offering up little inconveniences along the way)
- Pray one set of the Mysteries of the Rosary on the way there and another on the way back. Pray the Mysteries of the Rosary for that day of the week, plus the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the shrine itself, or before the picture or statue of Our Lady that is visited
Additionally, it is helpful to remember to...
- Bring a rosary
- Bring a booklet to help you pray and meditate on the Mysteries of the Rosary (See: Praying the Rosary with St. Josemaria Escriva)
- Think about all the special intentions and prayers of thanksgiving that you want to bring to Mary
- Pray for the intentions of the Pope and the needs of the Church
- Pray for the intentions of those who are with you on the pilgrimage
The above instructions are adapted from the St. Josemaria Institute