National Shrine of St. Therese - Juneau, Alaska

 (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

UPDATE-- This popular Alaskan retreat has been designated a national shrine by the U.S. bishops.
Bishop Edward J. Burns of Juneau, Alaska, announced the news on the Oct. 1, 2016, feast of St. Therese Lisieux, the patroness of Alaska after whom the Catholic shrine is named.
The National Shrine of St. Therese, located about 23 miles north of Juneau along Glacier Highway, has served as a place of spiritual refuge since its dedication in 1941.
"The shrine is a place of tremendous spiritual and natural beauty for all who visit," Bishop Burns said in a statement. "We are happy the bishops have confirmed what so many shrine visitors have felt in their hearts -- that the National Shrine of St. Terese, Juneau, is a gift from God and a treasure to all who pilgrim to her shore."


Destination:  There is no doubt that nature is a prime attraction at the Shrine of St. Therese. Thousands of visitors each year make the short drive from downtown Juneau to the 46-acre site, a forest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock overlooking waters of the Inside Passage and the Chilkat Range. The shrine, less than 25 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaksa, is open year-round.
Masses are in the Shrine Chapel at 1:30 p.m. every Sunday starting on the first Sunday after Memorial Day and ending on the first Sunday of September. Mass is also offered on other special occasions throughout the year.
Why to go:  When St. Therese, “the Little Flower,” was canonized in 1925, Bishop Raphael Crimont, SJ, also a French native, shared his devotion to her with Catholics in Alaska. The idea of the shrine came from Father William G. LeVasseur, SJ, and Bishop Crimont endorsed the effort.
Volunteers raised the first buildings and laid a causeway to connect parts of the island-shrine in the 1930s. Their generous gift of time was matched by gifts of materials from Juneau businesses. The depression-era shrine fell into disrepair, but efforts in the middle 1900s helped keep the shrine and grounds operational, but again it fell into disuse. It was closed in 1985, but volunteer efforts and donations reopened it in 1986.
Today it is on a Juneau “must see” list, along with fjords, glaciers and the Alaska State Museum.
Activities: The retreat grounds feature a labyrinth, memorial gardents, Good Shepherd rosary and grotto trail, and stations of the cross.
Amenities: In addition to prayerful retreats, the shrine also hosts weddings, funerals, family reunions and other events. Its lodge and cabins provide plenty of room for guests. There is also a gift and book shop.
Accessibility: Parts of the shrine are wheelchair accessible.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Without a doubt, this destination is ideal for the whole family.
Info: Address: Shrine of St. Therese, 415 Sixth St., Juneau, AK 99801-1020. Phone: 907/780-6112 Web: www.shrineofsainttherese.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld; Nancy Wiechec of CNS
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