On Shrove Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, also commonly referred to as “Fat Tuesday”, the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics will be hosting a free pancake dinner starting at 5:30 pm. The dinner will be held on the 3rd floor in The Upper Room (elevator available).

Shrove Tuesday falls right before Lent, a time of absolution and penance for many Christians. During the 40 days of Lent, some people fast, while others give up something they enjoy. The reason pancakes are eaten on this day is that they were a good way for people to use up their milk, eggs, sugar, and flour before fasting began.

After dinner, at 6:30 pm, we will gather in the Adoration Chapel for the Burial of the Alleluia. During the season of Lent the Church does not use the word Alleluia – a joyful cry of praise to God. The omission of alleluia during Lent goes back at least to the fifth century in the Western church. Many churches embrace the practice of physically "burying" the alleluia as a symbol of this solemn Lenten change.

This family-friendly event is open to people of all ages. A free will donation will be accepted.

Join the staff and volunteers of the Shrine every Friday during Lent (excluding Good Friday) for Stations and Soup.

The Stations of the Cross will be prayed in the Adoration Chapel starting at 11:45 am, with time for veneration of a Relic from Our Lord’s Passion. After prayer, all are invited to a soup lunch in the Upper Room. All soups will be meatless.

Wanting to grow in your prayer life this Lent? Ever feel stuck in your prayer life? Not sure of what personal prayer is supposed to look like? A five-week series on prayer will be offered at the Maria Stein Shrine on the following Thursdays during Lent:

March 13th A Journey in Prayer 7:00-8:15 pm
March 20th Who is God? 7:00-8:15 pm
March 27th Battle in Prayer 7:00-8:15 pm
April 3rd Communion of the Saints 7:00-8:15 pm
April 10th Your Journey in Prayer 7:00-8:15 pm

We will have the opportunity to engage in a different form of prayer at each session and address the challenges and possible misconceptions about prayer. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Caleb Gaier via email at c.gaier@mariasteinshrine.org or call 419-925-4532.

Mark your calendar to join us on March 18th & 27th for our Adoration Guild Lenten Learning Series on Mary in Scripture, Church, and Liturgy, and Liturgical and Devotional Prayer. Both sessions will be held in the Shrine’s Adoration Chapel and begin at 10:00am. They are free and open to the public.