Virtual Tour

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Our Lady Help of Christians Shrine

Our Lady Help of Christians Shrine, blessed and dedicated November 14, 1993, by His Excellency, J Carroll McCormick, D.D., Bishop of Scranton

Prayer to Mary, Help of Christians

Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin, Help of Christians, we place ourselves under your motherly protection. Throughout the Church's history you have helped Christians in times of trial, temptation, and danger. Time and time again, you have proven to be the Refuge of sinners, the Hope of the hopeless, the Consoler of the afflicted, and the Comforter of the dying. We promise to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, your Son, to proclaim His Good News of God's love for all people, and to work for peace and justice in our world. With faith in your intercession, we pray for the Church, for our family and friends, for the poor and abandoned, and all the dying. Grant, O Mary, Help of Christians, the graces of which we stand in need. (Mention your intentions.) May we serve Jesus with fidelity and love until death. Help us and our loved ones to attain the boundless joy of being forever with our Father in heaven. Amen.

Outside view of the church

Outside View of Saint Mary's

Ground-breaking took place in May 1923 on land donated by Andrew Kotulik. The building of the church was completed in July 1924. The cornerstone was laid and dedicated on September 27, 1925.

On December 5, 1952, the original church was completely destroyed by a fire caused by a faulty furnace. Ground-breaking for the new church began on April 26, 1953. The new cornerstone was laid and blessed on August 15, 1953.

The rectory

The Rectory

The Cemetery

The Parish Cemetery

The parish cemetery is located directly across the road from the church. It originally consisted of a two acre parcel of land donated by Harry Helfrich. Between 1950 and 1970 the Holy Name Society purchased and additional tract of land which increased the size of the cemetery.

Statue of Our Lady

This statue is located in the field behind the church.

Statue of Our Lady

The Church Sanctuary

The Sanctuary

The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle

The Baptismal Font

Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph

Saint Anne

Saint Anne

The Crucifix The crucifix features symbols of Jesus' Passion and Death on either side.

	Crown of Thorns and Nails		Dice (for casting lots for Jesus' clothing)
	Rooster (a symbol of Peter's denial)		Ladder, Spear, Hyssop and Sponge
	Pillar and Scourges		Thirty Pieces of Silver (a symbol of Judas' betrayal)