Shrine of Christ’s Passion - St. John, Indiana

(Photo provided)

Destination: The Shrine of Christ’s Passion near St. John, Ind., is actually home to three shrines: the namesake shrine, the Marian Wayside Shrine and Sanctity of Life Shrine. It is south of U.S. Rt. 30 and not too far east of the Illinois-Indiana stateline.
Mass is not offered at the site, but St. John the Evangelist Church (11301 West 93rd Ave.) in nearby St. John offers  Masses at 6 p.m., Saturday; 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Sunday; 6:30 p.m., Tuesday; 8:30 a.m., Wednesday-Friday.
Why to go: The main shrine features 40 life-size bronze statues along a half-mile winding path. In addition to the traditional stations, the route has recently added stops for the Last Supper and Jesus’ night in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Visitors who watch Chicago television or A&E on cable will recognize the voice of Chicago broadcaster Bill Kurtis, who narrates a recorded story of Christ’s passion at each station.
The lighted path is open year-round, weather permitting. More than 1,000 trees and shrubs, as well as boulders  from Wisconsin, are artfully arranged on the site.
The Marian Wayside Shrine features a larger-than-life statue of Mary.
The  Sanctity of Life Shrine is dedicated to the lives lost through abortion.  A bronze statue of a kneeling Jesus holds the remains of a tiny, aborted baby in his hands.
Amenities: A visitor’s center and religious store are open the same hours as the shrine: Friday through Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Access: The shrine is handicap-accessible and there is a shelter about halfway into the path. The first 2/3 is on level ground, then, after crossing a bridge, there is an uphill grade with a downhill grade on the return. There are carts available by appointment; check with the visitor’s center.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Because the shrine’s sites are outdoors, it’s a great place to walk through with kids.
Info: Address: Shrine of Christ’s Passion: 10630 Wicker Ave., St. John, IN 46373 Phone: 219/365-6010. Web: www.shrineofchristspassion.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org