History and religion combine to create a peaceful place to reflect, relax, and learn at Perryville’s Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Church, which includes the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal—a shrine meant to symbolize devotion and faith to the Catholic religion.
The historic church—known as Saint Mary’s of the Barrens—was inspired by the Motherhouse Chapel in Monte Citorio, Rome, and founded in 1818 by Vincentian fathers who were from Rome and settled in the Perryville area. A small log church and seminary were built, followed by the church cornerstone in January 1827.
The seminary, the first institution for higher education west of the Mississippi River, was originally part of the Louisiana Purchase. John Quincy Adams later signed the “Barrens land grant of 1818”, which gave the land over to the Catholic seminary. The Vincentians founded the Association of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville in May 1918, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was added to the church in 1929, funded by the Association of the Miraculous Medal members and promoters.
Today, visitors can admire beautiful paintings inside the church, experience the half-mile rosary walk, or view the 100-year-old grotto on the manicured grounds. “Everyone is welcome to visit and attend mass at St. Mary’s of the Barrens,” says Frank Ryan, the volunteer coordinator. “This century-old association continues to draw people closer to God through devotion to Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.”
Mass takes place Mondays through Saturdays at 12:10 PM and Sundays at 11 AM. The church and grounds at 1805 West Saint Joseph Street, Perryville, are open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. Free guided tours are given on weekdays from 9 AM to noon and 1 PM to 3 PM and on weekends from noon to 4 PM. There is a visitor center and gift shop onsite. For more information, visit their website at AMM.org
This article appeared in the March/April 2025 edition of Missouri Life.
