Shrine of Our Lady of the Island -- Manorville, N.Y.

 (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

Destination: Missionaries of the Company of Mary, who were founded by St. Louis de Montfort in 1705, established the shrine in the 1950s to encourage Marian devotion and to renew Catholic spirituality in the Diocese of Rockville Center. Now the shrine is open to all. Its statue of Our Lady and the Child (above) is atop the Rock is just one of many outdoor sculptures.
Masses are offered daily at 11:30 a.m. at the shrine. Starting in late April, Sunday Mass is offered outside at the Rock, one of the highest points on Long Island. A holy hour begins at 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Why to go: The shrine features outdoor walks for both the rosary and the stations of the cross, as well as an “Avenue of the Saints.” There are also several other statues on the grounds and the shrine to Our Lady, which has nearby parking.
Special events: The shrine is active with retreats, pilgrimages, prayer and other group meetings. But special events in the near future include:
> Dec. 11, after 11:30 a.m. Mass, a dramatization of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s meeting with St. Juan Diego
> Dec. 12,  4:30 p.m., Antorcha Guadalupana with a procession, traditional dances and Spanish Mass
> Dec. 18, 2 p.m., Songs of the Season with a handbell choir.
Throughout Advent, the shrine hosts Carols and Cocoa in the coffee shop after Sunday Mass for a sing-along with others.
More activities are listed on the shrine website.
Amenities: On the grounds, there are a gift shop featuring religious items from around the world, a coffee shop and reception area, all open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The shrine grounds are open from sunrise to sunset daily, although the buildings are closed except for Mass a few days of the year. Check the calendar on the website before planning your trip.
(Grand) Kid friendly: There is a pavilion for picnicking in nice weather, making it a good place to stop on a road trip.
Info: Address — Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, 258 Eastport Manor Road, Manorville, NY 11949 n Phone — 631/325-0661 n Website — www.ourladyoftheisland.com
— Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld

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