Black Madonna Shrine, Missouri
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Black Madonna Shrine and Grotto is a shrine located in the unincorporated area south of Pacific and Southwest of Eureka in the state of Missouri, United States. It was constructed in 1938 by Brother Bronislaus, a Polish native, of the Franciscan order.
The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Częstochowa and is a replica of the shrine in Częstochowa. The image is referred as the Black Madonna because of its dark brown skin tones.
The shrine has been subjected to arson and vandalism many times in its history such as in 1958 when an arsonist set fire to the altar which burned the chapel.
[edit] Driving directions
The most direct route to the shrine is to take Interstate 44 to the Pacific, Missouri exit. Go east on Business Route 44 to Highway F. Take Highway F 4 miles south of Pacific. The shrine is on the right side of the road, about a mile past Highway FF.
The scenic route is to take Interstate 44 to the Eureka exit. Turn onto Highway W. Make a right onto Highway FF and keep going until it terminates at Highway F. Make a left onto highway F. The shrine is located about a mile beyond of the junction, on the right.
