The House of Mary Shrine is located 6 miles west of Yankton, SD, on Highway 52. Three crosses, sentinel reminders of the life and death of Jesus Christ, overlook Lewis and Clark Lake and Campground. The panoramic view includes Gavins Point Dam, sunrise/sunset and the NE chalk rock bluffs.
The Sunrise Service is held each Easter at Sunrise. It begins at the Chapel with Scripture readings and music. A procession to the top of the hill recalls the last day of the life of OUR LORD, before He was crucified. We will follow His path, and at the top of the hill, call to mind His death. Then in GLORIOUS JUBILATION we proceed to the tomb to CELEBRATE HIS VICTORY OVER DEATH! JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN!
The Chapel of St. Joseph, The Living Waters, rosaries, ponds, The Stations of the Cross, a tomb where the angel proclaims that Christ has risen, are reminders to pray and meditate.
The Rosary Pond, was one of the first sites built at the shrine. Each October the Rosary Rally is held and the rosary is said in candlelight around the pond.
St. Michael the Archangel, stands guard over the meditation area, where outdoor services can be celebrated.
The House of Mary, a reminder of the origin of the Shrine, is used as a place of prayer.
The Holy Innocents Garden and Marian Visitor's Center are across the road, flowers, a gazebo and a beautiful bronze statue of Jesus and the Children grace the area. The Feast of the Holy Innocents is celebrated each December 28th.
The Pieta, found on the hillside depicts Jesus in the arms of his mother, when he was taken down from the Cross.
M&M Masses
Each Monday, from April through September Mass is celebrated at the Shrine by our retired priests: Father Marbach and Monsignor Herman. The M&M Masses were started because there were no Masses in Yankton on Mondays at the time, and because help was needed in the flower beds. The M&M stand for Martha....to come and work like Martha did, and Mary, to come and pray like her sister Mary.
The Hermitages are small cabins in a secluded area in the woods, for quiet meditation and retreats. Deer, turkey, and other wildlife are reminders of God's creation.