Visit Rhode Island's only shrine: The Shrine of the Little Flower

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Rhode Island Catholic has mapped out your perfect Sunday afternoon. Start the day in God’s creation with outdoor Mass at The Shrine of the Little Flower, followed by a visit to The Wright Scoop for a heavenly treat. Click here to learn more!

BURRILLVILLE — Just off of Route 7 in Burrillville, visitors will discover a beautiful outdoor space for prayer, quiet reflection and fellowship.
Founded in 1923, the Shrine of the Little Flower is the only Shrine in the Ocean State — and the first shrine dedicated to St. Thérèse of Liseux in the entire world.
The shrine, a mission church of Our Lady of Good Help Parish, has much to offer. Holy sites include the outdoor church of St. Thérèse, the Holy Stairs, Stations of the Cross, Rosary Walk and much more. Especially for the many who have spent the long winter and spring inside their homes — it feels extra special to visit a space where you can experience the faith and nature all at once.
Father Michael McMahon, pastor, shared that in recent years there has been an uptick from visitors from all around New England, New York and other nearby states — but added that surprisingly many Rhode Islanders are not aware that the shrine exists.
“It’s such a beautiful, pristine place in the state of the Rhode Island. Its simplicity is also its beauty.”
This summer, plan to visit in time for Mass offered at the shrine’s outdoor altar. From now until Sunday, August 30, the 11:30 a.m. Mass will be celebrated outdoors, weather permitting. Mass will be held indoors in the event of rain or excessive heat. Father McMahon shared that Bishop Thomas J. Tobin has granted permission for these outdoor Masses during the summer months as a pastoral response in order to ease concerns about returning to public Mass due to the pandemic.
“People are grateful that we are able to offer outdoor Masses during this time,” said Father McMahon. “One woman said to me on Sunday that this has been the first time she has been back to Mass since February [due to concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic]. Being outdoors made her comfortable to come out and worship.”
Social distancing measures and masks must still be maintained. Personal and group visits are always welcome. Please contact the parish if you would like to set up a tour of the grounds.
Typically, the Shrine of the Flower hosts countless group pilgrimages throughout the year as well as Days of Recollection for spiritual growth and enrichment, along with the annual Feast Day Celebration. It now offers Theology on Fire, a Young Adult Group that meets the second Friday of every month from April to November. Young adults ages 16-35 are welcome to join for a lecture around a fire in the outdoor shrine. Following the lecture, adoration is held in the outdoor church. Directly afterwards, the group meets for pizza and community. The next event is scheduled to take place on Friday, August 14.

For more information on the shrine or upcoming events, Please visit burrillvillecatholic.org or call (401) 568-8280.