Shrine of St. Joseph - Grass Lake, Michigan

(Photo courtesy Shrine of St. Joesph)

Destination: For respite and quiet prayer, the Shrine of St. Joseph is a lovely spot, worth a stop on almost any trip across I-94 in Michigan.
Masses are at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 8:30 a.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. Sunday.
Why to go:  The founder of the Pious Union of St. Joseph for the Suffering and Dying, St. Louis Guanella, priest (1842–1915), was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 22. The Italian priest built a church — now a minor basilica — dedicated to the St. Joseph in Rome before asking Pope Pius  X if he could establish a group dedicated to praying daily to St. Joseph to intercede for the suffering and dying. The pope, according to the shrine website, not only gave his permission, but also was the first to enroll in what he termed, “this great crusade of prayer.”
The Pious Union of St. Joseph for the Salvation of the Dying was declared a “Primary Confraternity” by Pope St. Pius X on Feb. 12, 1914.
Blessed John Paul II also appreciated St. Louis Guanella’s efforts, saying in 2004, “In founding the Pious Union of St. Joseph for the dying, St. Louis Guanella has inspired continuous prayers to help all people on the point of crossing the threshold of eternal life.”
St. Louis Guanella also founded the Servants of Charity priests and brothers and Daughters of St. Mary of Providence sisters, who direct the shrine.
Amenities: Small gifts are available at a gift shop.
Access: The grounds
(Grand) Kid friendly: Walking the grounds to see Our Lady’s Grotto and the Calvary at the shrine will give kids a chance to stretch their legs on a car trip. And, if you have time to volunteer, look for Annie. She’ll have something you can do.
Info: Address: Pious Union of St. Joseph, 953 E. Michigan Ave., Grass Lake, MI 49240. Phone: 517/522-8017. Web: www.piousunionofstjoseph.org

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