The National Shrine of Blessed Francis X. Seelos
The National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R. was established by the Redemptorist Fathers and Brothers in 1959 as a practical result of renewed interest in the cause of Father Seelos in Rome. The mission and goal of the Shrine is to promote the canonization cause of Seelos through vital ministry carried on in his name. The Shrine is located in St. Mary’s Assumption Church and features the remains of Seelos, his original lead coffin, artifacts from his life, and first-class relics of various saints. Inside the reliquary room, a prayer partner and Seelos relic crucifix are available to pray with you and for your special intentions. The Welcome Center adjacent to St. Mary’s features the Walk of Life, theater and gift shop.
VISITING THE SHRINE
The National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos welcomes visitors to its beautiful campus, featuring the Shrine, St. Mary’s Assumption Church, Seelos Welcome Center and more. In addition, we offer home, hospital and parish visits with official blessers bringing first class Seelos relics to your location, to pray with and bless you and your congregation or group.
Visiting the Shrine is a spiritually fulfilling outing for church parish groups, retreats, schools, conferences and more. We will happily accommodate large groups and tour buses, with advance notice. For groups of 10 or more, please fill out this form to reserve your visit date and time.
PREACHER, MIRACLE WORKER, FRIEND
The heroic and miraculous religious life of the “Cheerful Ascetic” Redemptorist Father Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R. (1819-1867) inspires legions of the clergy, religious, laity and specifically those seeking a miracle of healing throughout the world.
Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000, Fr. Seelos possessed great mystical gifts due to his life of intense prayer and penance. His innate kindness, understanding and dedication to the needs of the faithful from all walks of life makes him an outstanding model for those in religious life and laity alike. As a missionary preacher and lifelong friend of the poor and destitute, Seelos was a spiritual father to tens of thousands, giving counsel and hearing the confessions of all who came to him. Despite his untimely death at age 48, so profound was his apostolic zeal that sickness, persecution, and even the upheaval caused by civil war could not stop him.