This article first appeared in the summer 2025 issue of The Vincentian, the quarterly newsletter of the Congregation of the Mission Western Province.
Perryville Shrine is a pilgrimage site for Jubilee Year
Four times each century, a jubilee year is set aside for Catholics to deepen their relationship with their faith. In December, Pope Francis declared 2025 such a year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” and St. Louis Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski announced nine pilgrimage sites for the jubilee, including the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, MO.
Such pilgrimages are an opportunity for Catholics to make a spiritual journey and deepen their prayer lives and also to gain a plenary indulgence for themselves or a soul in purgatory, which is total reparation of all consequences from the sins we have committed. You can read more on jubilee pilgrimages from Fr. Ray Van Dorpe, C.M., on page 7, and about the jubilee year at https://amm.org/2025-a-jubilee-year-of-hope/ .
“In this Jubilee Year of Hope, our designation as a pilgrimage site is more than an honor—it is an invitation,” said Don Fulford, President and CEO of the Association of the Miraculous Medal. “With open doors and open hearts, we welcome all who seek comfort, clarity, and communion with God. For some it will be a first step in a relationship with God, while others it will be for deeper meaning and hope. No matter the reason for your visit, we look forward to seeing you at the National Shrine.”
Photo caption: The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville holds an annual May Crowning ceremony to venerate the Blessed Mother, which had special significance this jubilee year. Fr. Jim Osenforf, C.M., (bottom left) offered prayers at this year’s ceremony.