It brings us great joy to share the stories of how the Shrine has positively impacted the faith of others.
As you read them, we pray you encounter your own journey in a fresh way.
We encourage you to embrace these testimonies and welcome deeper spiritual connections into your life.
"There is real fellowship going on here and I wanted to be a part of that!" - Michelle Heckman
Tim was advised that he had a rare and fast-growing cancer, and without treatment, he had only a few months to survive. He not only needed the hospital but also needed HOPE!
Tim's Story
"Life is filled with ups and downs and we are so thankful for the graces that we receive from our time in Adoration. Life is better when we make time to pray." - Theresa Arkenberg
The Arkenberg's Story
Justin went from "Why me" to "How can I inspire others to never give up".
With the encouragement of his grandparents, Ben finds peace in the Relic Chapel.
Read Ben's story here.
In their time of need, the Tobe Family found comfort and peace in the Relic Chapel of the Maria Stein Shrine as their precious 3-month-old daughter was fighting a rare heart condition.
“I hope sharing our story helps others because the Relic Chapel was there for us when we needed it.” -Alicia Tobe
Read Elise's story here.
"I was open to accepting the opportunities placed in front of me instead of pushing them aside. It makes me feel closer to Jesus and Mary."
Linda Bergman
When life takes twists and turns you're not expecting, it can be a challenging time. Linda was able to face this challenge head-on and found opportunities that may not have been possible without being challenged.
Read more about Linda's story here.
“Push out the noisy secular world and allow a little slice of heaven on earth.”
Dcn. Dan Kahlig
Dan made his first visit during his lunch hour, when he was experiencing great struggles in his life. He spent time in adoration at the Shrine. Dan knew that God was present in the Eucharist, but at the Shrine Dan felt God’s presence in the chapels, and even outside on the beautiful grounds. Listen in as he shares his story or click to read here.
My husband, Dennis Heyne (nephew of Jerry and Doris Will), was diagnosed with cancer and told he had about 3 to 6 months. We got into treatment and he made it 8 years! He believed that it was due to the Lord watching over him and his medical staff.
He was in a prayer group for men where we live in Villa Hills, KY at our parish St. Joseph in Crescent Springs, Ky. Two years into his cancer, we made the trip to the Shrine with several of the men in the prayer group - we just drove up there - no specific day. When we arrived I had told the lady what we were doing and she invited us to Mass. After Mass we went to the Relic Chapel and said the Rosary. Afterwards, she asked if my husband wanted to hold the St. Peregrine Relic and when Dennis held it, we took a picture. Immediately, Dennis claimed, he felt the cancer taken away. In reality, his scan, which was 3 weeks later, showed a tremendous shrinkage in the tumor.
I cannot say it was a miracle but I do know our doctors were surprised and Dennis lived another 5 years. The cancer did take his life after a 2 year trial in St. Louis. He (we) knew he would never become cancer free, but if he could save a life by getting into the trial, that was enough for him. The trial was for Opdiva (Keytruda) and now that drug is prolonging life for lung cancer patients.
This is his story and I felt I needed to share. The Shrine was something he always spoke about and I am so grateful we made the trip! I cannot thank the Shrine and our Lord enough for giving us the opportunity, and for me to learn more about the Shrine. I do believe that the trip gave him more encouragement to fight. Although he eventually passed, I will forever treasure the day at the Shrine when my husband received something I cannot explain - something that gave him more strength to fight the hated disease that he had. I cannot thank you enough. God Bless to all!
Can you recall when you felt unexpected help or comfort and you were not sure where it came from?
Ruth's experiences began at a very young age, and solidified her deep appreciation for angels. “I’ve always believed in angels” she said as she told of the numerous times in her life where she felt their grace and protection.
The angels were among her once again, when she had an inexplicable and grace-filled experience at the Pilgrim Gift Shop!
Read more..
When you support the Shrine, by shopping in the gift shop, attending events and sharing our ministry with your family and friends, you are making experiences like Ruth's possible - thank you!
“Holy moments” occur when we make time for Jesus and for those moments we simply allow time for Him to love us and help us.
When the Pilgrim Gift Shop and Museum were closed to the public due to restrictions, the chapels remained open for individuals to experience time praying and just being with the relics of the Saints. Recently, Dave Wolters of Maria Stein shared what the Shrine means to him and how it has benefited him during this unprecedented time. Can I share his “aha holy moment” with you? Read More
“The Lord is using the Shrine as a vessel for this group to study and search for more depth in their faith."
Lance Brunswick admits that he used to be concerned about how he would be perceived by his peers if he outwardly lived and expressed his faith, but now he is thankful that a growing number of young adults today are taking an active role in making faith the center of their lives. Read more...