Spring at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine: A season of renewal and reflection

The Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue, Ohio, welcomed the spring season with a series of spiritually enriching events and gatherings throughout April and May 2025. As the natural beauty of the shrine’s 153-acre grounds blossoms, so does the community’s engagement in faith and fellowship. 

The final touches were completed in the Outdoor Chapel. The new donor recognition wall was placed in the back of the chapel to thank all those donors who helped make the new window possible. The shrine is fortunate to have many contributors to help sustain and preserve the shrine and the holy grounds. 

April marked the commencement of outdoor Masses, a cherished tradition that allows worshippers to celebrate amidst the shrine’s serene natural surroundings. The first week of outdoor Masses coincided with visits from homeschooling groups, who took advantage of the beautiful weather to explore the shrine and participate in its spiritual offerings.  

May Crowning took place at all Masses on May 10 and 11. A procession to Our Lady of Lourdes concluded the May Crowning services following the 11 a.m. Mass. Iris Hahn, a long-time supporter of the shrine, crowned the Blessed Mother. On May 12, the shrine hosted a Marian Music Event, featuring the In His Name Music Ministry. This event featured an evening of devotional music honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, inviting attendees to deepen their spiritual connection through song.