A little bit of heaven is nestled within the Ozark hills of Missouri on 63 acres along Missouri Route 5 between Versailles and Camdenton, Missouri. About 20 miles north of Camdenton and 17 miles west of U.S. Business Route 54 at Lake of the Ozarks, and South on Highway 5 from Versailles. The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church was dedicated to Mary, the Blessed Mother, and to all the mothers of the world and is affectionately known as the “Mothers' Shrine.”
The mission of the Mothers' Shrine is to promote a true appreciation of motherhood, the preciousness of life, the integrity of the family, and devotion to Mary, Mother of the Church, with an understanding of the Church community that gives Mary the title of Mother. The Mothers' Shrine provides faith-filled and joyful outdoor Eucharistic celebrations, pilgrimages and retreats, a serene and beautiful space for prayer and reflection, and celebrations throughout the year in honor of our Blessed Mother and motherhood.
With the help of Archbishop James P. Keleher, the Mothers' Shrine was designated a National Shrine by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2003. This magnificent shrine dedicated to Mary, under her title as, "Mother of the Church." A title used since the time of the Early Church Fathers. The Shrine also features an awe-inspiring 14-feet stainless steel sculpture of Mary as the Mother of the Church, with her arms outstretched to welcome all to her embrace which is positioned among beautiful fountains. The platform that holds the sculpture of Mary which turns 360 degrees every four minutes, symbolizing prayer for the whole world and welcome to all pilgrims as they enjoy the Shrine's grounds.
The terraced hillside surrounding the sculpture seats 2,000 and includes a permanent altar and ambo (pulpit) for Catholic Mass. Behind the altar is a three-tiered, lighted super structure of steel towers, which creates a spectacular effect. Each spring, thousands of flowers crown the grounds in honor of Mary.
Masses are celebrated outdoors for visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks each weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Online programming, group pilgrimages, retreats and tours are offered. In 2023, almost 9,000 people attended our summer Masses, and more than 3,000 pilgrims participated in one or more of our two dozen programs.
A unique offering of the Mothers' Shrine is the Mothers' Wall of Life, which features the names of mothers throughout the world engraved in the beautiful polished black granite. The Mothers' Wall of Life is surrounded by beautiful fountains, and rests at the feet of the sculpture of Mary, Mother of the Church. Names of mothers, and mother figures, living or deceased, regardless of religious affiliation, are lovingly etched on the wall two times a year. There are more than 5,000 women whose names have been engraved on our Wall, including the mothers of Archbishop Joseph F. Nauman, St. Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict and Pope Francis, a female minister whose congregation provided the funding for the first panels, and movie star Jane Wyman.
When you visit the Shrine you will find a guidebook to help you find which panel has the name of the woman you would like to view. A great photo opportunity to have with the mother you are paying Tribute to with her engraving.
