Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows

You can feel the Holy Spirit moving you here. Every time we go it's quiet, it's peaceful. We go frequently. I never tire of photographing the combination of natural and man made beauty outside, each season remarkable and wonderous. The history is fascinating. Faith is alive here; powerful, timeless and patient. Humility guaranteed, those little things always worrying you seem smaller or even insignificant after true, quiet reflection anywhere here. It's a powerful place that has helped me personally try to live a better life. The Shrine has events throughout the year, including 2 pilgrimages, Church has events and concerts as well and the reception hall is clean and inviting.

This place is beautiful and very peaceful. I spent a Sunday at their pilgrimage in May and it helped a lot. They did a Rosary, Stations, dinner,then Reconciliation and Mass. The dinner was delicious, but it was $15. A little high for some, but you can bring your own food and have a picnic there, no tables, but plenty of trees for shade, just bring a blanket to lay down. It is a wonderful place to find peace!!!!

Beautiful peaceful place to pray and spend time with Jesus. The grounds are like a Jesus park. So much to see. I go often.

Amazing architecture and a wonderful blend of man-made and nature. Definitely worth a stop and look around!

It is well worth your time to make a side trip to this shrine. The church is beautiful and
chickens roam the grounds. The shrine is one of the most peaceful and soothing places I have ever visited. Enjoy!

Walking through the Sepulchre and seeing the life-like body of Jesus Christ was deeply moving. The Grotto is very peaceful and quite beautiful, as is the inside of the church with its gorgeous stained glass windows.

Regarding the history of The Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows in Starkenburg in Southern Montgomery County.

In the year 1847 the first people came to the area known as Rhineland or Loutre Island, along the Missouri River. The area was soon to be named "Starkenburg." The settlers were Germans from the Hermann, Missouri area. They would have special services when missionaries came. In this barn was a statue, which the Germans named "Weisse dame" or "White Lady."
St. Martin's Parish was chartered in 1848. The Parish was named after St. Martin, Bishop of Tours, France. One year after being charted, forty acres were obtained and a log church was built.

In the year 1852, the Parish of St. Martin constructed a humble log building, which would become the new home of the "White Lady." Whenever the parish conducted a procession on the extensive church grounds, they would carry Her in their midst. This public expression of Catholic devotion attracted the attention even of non-Catholics in the neighborhood.

Twenty years later, in 1872, parishioners began to replace the log church, by building one of stone. In 1873, a cornerstone was laid for a new stone church. Rock was quarried from the area. In 1873, Rev. Joseph Schaefer, the pastor, placed the White Lady in the newly erected Stone Church, St. Martin's Church. In 1874, a Gothic-style church was consecrated. There was a large bell, several statues, and stained glass windows. In 1877, the Franciscans took charge of the Parish. For a few years, the Madonna remained in the Church. Then, a larger and more elegant statue replaced it, and the former was placed in an attic.

On October 27, 1887, Father George Hoehn, from Heppenheim, Germany became Pastor of St. Martin's Church. Father Hoehn was a zealous, friendly man, and the simple piety of the people at his first mass with them impressed him. He was delighted that the natural surroundings of his parish so closely resembled his homeland. August Mitsch, Father Hoehn's nephew, came to St. Martin's on November 2, 1887 to serve as a sacristan.

In the year 1888, during the month of May, near St. Martin's Church and where the magnificent Shrine now towers over the hills, a dogwood bush was in its full beauty, covered with hundreds of its fragrant blossoms. In the attic of the monastery, which now served as the rectory, August Mitsch found an old, white faded statue of the Blessed Mother. This he took and placed in the midst of the flowers of the bush. A more beautiful canopy for the Madonna could not have been imagined. The addition of a few candles completed the May altar. The place of devotion was soon discovered.

August Mitsch, with the aid of two students, the Rev. Fathers George Koob and Jacob Denner, built a new log hut, to replace the one built in 1852, to protect the White Lady. Hardly two persons could kneel within, the rest had to kneel outside. The number of the faithful that frequented the woodland shrine increased rapidly, and the hut was soon replaced by a small chapel, octagonal shape, which was also constructed of logs, with a small steeple to the front. Stained glass windows from Germany further enhanced it, and a bell was immediately hung in the tower.

On the feast of the Seven Dolors, April 12, 1889, with the approval of Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick, a Way of the Cross was erected in the woods. Pictures, representing the different stations were placed under glass in simple wooden cases raised on posts. The woods now received a special blessing and no cattle or vehicles were permitted to cross the premises.

During Lent, in the year 1890, through the contribution of two generous St. Louisans, the parish was able to make the purchase of a "Sorrowful Mother" statue. It is a replica of the highly renowned "Pieta of Achtermann" to be seen in the Cathedral of Muenster, Westphalia. The statue is small, it is true, but a beautiful work of an artist of Dusseldorf. This statue was now placed in the Chapel and the original "White Lady" which was rather faded and worn by this time, was a

Beautiful Shrine and grounds with several grottos and the Stations of the Cross. Definitely worth the trip!

I'm not off the Catholic faith but I do have an appreciation for the dedication of others and their faithfulness in the Savior. Beautifully kept up grounds and beautiful edifices.

Beautiful church . good place for mediation . all should try and see the grounds and alters .

Been here a few times as part of the SSPX pilgrimage. Outdoor Stations of the Cross. They always used the outdoor alter which was probably due to the size of the crowd.

Stop by and enjoy the grounds! Beautiful, serene, and close to God.

I have been here as long time ago, in 2003. It was very beautiful back then and appears it still is.

We had a small pilgrimage with several families. The stations of the cross are so beautiful.

A beautiful place to visit

Beautiful experience. It is well worth the drive off the beaten path.

Incredible beauty! What a place to worship God in!

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Must go if you can!

One of the most beautiful places in Missouri!

Very beautiful historic church.