In the early 1990s through prayer and the efforts of the Marian Society, an
idea to build a shrine was conceived. In 1996 a committee was formed to pursue
this venture. The committee attracted just the right people with the right skills
to bring this dream to reality. Construction began in 1997 on an open stable-like
structure that would house a unique statue of an adult Jesus and Mary carved
from one log.
This shrine was meant to emphasize not only devotion to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, but also the eventual triumph of both
over evil in the world. Bishop Quinn dedicated it on June 28, 1998. Stations
of the Cross, designed to complement the architecture of the original building,
were constructed leading up to shrine and blessed by Bishop Pilla on July 1,
2000.
The original statue was re-carved and painted during the summer of 2006. This
has enhanced the beauty of the original carving.
To complement the theme of the triumph of the Two Hearts, a Glorious Cross was
erected near the shrine on September 3, 2003. Crosses like this have been erected
all over the world to remind people to pray for the conversion of the world.
Rene and Rose Giguere from Canada constructed our cross, brought it here and
erected it along the drive to the shrine. This cross is lit at night and stands
as a constant reminder that God's Son died for our sins.
Not only has the shrine attracted many visitors and provided a peaceful place
for prayer for parishioners, but it has also contributed to the beauty of the
grounds. Over the years, grass and beautiful gardens have replaced a hay field
in front of the shrine.