Queen of the Holy Rosary Memorial Shrine facts for kids

Queen of the Holy Rosary Memorial Shrine - Outside view

The Queen of the Holy Rosary Memorial Shrine is a special Catholic church in La Salle, Illinois. It's part of the Diocese of Peoria. This church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It honors all military veterans from the United States Armed Forces, both living and those who have passed away.

On November 7, 2007, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky made it a special "Diocesan Shrine." This means it's a significant place for prayer and visits within the diocese. He also said that people who make a holy pilgrimage (a special journey) to the Shrine can receive a partial indulgence, which is a spiritual benefit. The Shrine area includes the church, a rectory (where priests live), and a school building.

From November 8, 2015, to November 20, 2016, Bishop Jenky also named the Shrine a "Holy Door" site. This was part of a special "Holy Year of Mercy" announced by Pope Francis.

History of the Shrine

Early Beginnings

In 1904, Father Charles Zachini came to La Salle from Italy. He helped the Italian-American community in La Salle, Peru, and Oglesby. At first, church services, called Masses, were held in a private home. A few months later, a house was bought and turned into a small church. It was named the Church of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 1905. Two years later, Father Zachini went back to Italy, and the church closed.

For 18 years, the Italian-American community didn't have its own parish (a local church community). Then, in 1925, Father Peter Delo arrived. He started the Queen of the Holy Rosary church. Bishop Edmund M. Dunne gave his permission. The first Masses were held in the Knights of Columbus hall. On the first Sunday of October 1925, the Queen of the Holy Rosary Church opened. It was in a converted house at 529 Fourth Street. This church started with 35 families. It was right next to where the current church stands today.

Building the New Church

In 1936, Father Simon D. Bernardi became the pastor (leader) of the church. He was from Italy and became a priest in the United States in 1932. Back then, the church collected about $30 each week. From 1936 to 1944, the church paid off its debts. Then, they started raising money for a new, bigger building. The church community grew a lot!

An architect named A. F. Moratz was hired to design the new church. It was planned in a style called Neo-Italian Renaissance. From 1944 to 1954, the parish saved money for the building. Construction began on May 16, 1954. Father Bernardi oversaw the building work. The new church cost about $300,000. It was officially opened on October 7, 1956. Pope Pius XII sent a special blessing for the dedication. A representative of the Pope, Monsignor Francesco Roberti, also attended the Mass.

Improvements Over Time

Over the years, many improvements were made to the Shrine. The rectory, where the priests live, was finished in 1958. In the spring of 1958, the old church-rectory building was taken down. By July 21, 1959, the church had no more debt.

In November 1965, a beautiful Italian-made mosaic was added. It was placed on the back walls of the main and side altars. In 1968, a Catechetical Center was completed. This is a place for religious education. To build it, the church bought more land and removed old buildings.

Father Bernardi was honored by the Pope several times for his work. He was given special titles in 1956 and 1963. On October 5, 1975, he passed away in the sacristy (a room where priests prepare for Mass). He had served the parish for 39 years. Other pastors have led the Shrine since then, including Edward Bawiec, Dale Maloy, Gordon Pillon, Robert Rayson, Antonio Dittmer, Paul Carlson, and Tom Otto.

Inside the Shrine

Queen of the Holy Rosary Memorial Shrine - Inside view

The Shrine building is made with a strong steel frame. Its outside is covered in beautiful Bedford stone. The columns inside have fancy Corinthian style tops. The main doors are made of bronze. All the floors inside are terrazzo, which is a smooth, polished floor with chips of marble or other materials.

Special Materials and Art

The inside of the church has 15 different types of marble. These marbles come from places like Italy, France, and North Africa. The marble altars (tables for services) and railings were carved in Pietrasanta, Italy. Skilled artists came to install them personally.

You can see many Venetian mosaics (pictures made from small pieces of colored glass or stone). The most famous one is a copy of Our Lady of Pompeii. This mosaic is above the center of the main altar. The largest mosaic is around the main altar. It's gold and shows vines reaching up with three coats of arms.

The marble pulpit (a raised stand for speaking) is very heavy, weighing about three tons. But it's designed so one person can move it!

Beautiful Stained Glass Windows

The church has amazing stained glass windows. They are made from German and Belgian glass and show Italian Renaissance designs. They tell stories and show important figures:

• The Nativity (Jesus' birth)
• St. Anne
• St. Maria Goretti
• St. Frances Xavier (Mother) Cabrini
• St. Pius X
• The Holy Family (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph)
• The Resurrection (Jesus rising from the dead)
• Christ the King
• Guardian Angel
• Queen of the Holy Rosary
• The Sacred Heart
• The Good Shepherd
• St. John the Baptist

There are also two round rose windows. One shows the Agnus Dei (a symbol of God). The other shows Our Lady of Sorrows (a symbol of the Virgin Mary).

In the choir loft, there's a pipe organ. There's also an electronic carillon, which is like a set of bells. It has 700 songs that can be played through the bell tower!

Honoring Veterans

When the Queen of the Holy Rosary church was dedicated, it was decided it would honor seven local people. These seven lost their lives while serving in World War II. Their names are John Marinangeli, Richard Marinangeli, Anthony Piraino, Joseph Piraino, John Torchia, Angelo Venturi, and Barney Valesano.

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