For Immediate Release         Media Contact:  Pam Jones or Marjorie Beenders
May 20, 2009                                           Phone: 573-636-8282 « Email: pam@tbmg.net

Mothers Shrine Looking for Mother of the Year
at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

 Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. –Do you know an exceptional mother?  If so, you can nominate her for Mother of the Year, at a place that’s specially dedicated to mothers:  the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.

More than 50,000 people from all over the globe visit this serene and scenic landmark located off Highway 5 in Laurie, Mo.  Rev. Fred J. Barnett of Laurie founded the site in 1986.  He has said establishing the Shrine “was a prompting of the Holy Spirit” to honor the Virgin Mary.

From its humble beginnings, the Shrine, nestled on the grounds of the St. Patrick Catholic Church, has changed and grown.  Its centerpiece, a 14-foot stainless steel statue of the Virgin Mary created by renowned sculptor Don Weigand in 1992, welcomes visitors with outstretched arms and slowly rotates at the top of a waterfall above the Mother’s Wall of Life.  Dedicated on Mother’s Day, 1999, the polished black granite wall is a tribute to motherhood and family life, for all mothers living or deceased, regardless of race, color or creed.  Today the wall is engraved with the names of more than 3,200 mothers from 37 states and 13 foreign nations.

“The first mother’s name on the wall was the mother of Pope John Paul II, engraved on April 1, 1999,” notes Rose Vanderbeck, Shrine marketing director.  “Since then we have added Pope Benedict’s mother.”  She adds, “The first time a mother or family sees that name on the wall, it’s an amazing and truly joyous experience.”  The cost is $325 for engraving and upkeep.

The Mothers Shrine was named a National Shrine on March 18, 2003, becoming the 16th nationally recognized Shrine in the United States and the only one in Missouri.  To be named a National Shrine, it had to meet the strict requirements of the Bishops’ Committee on National Shrines. Since then, the Shrine has attracted more tour busses, groups and visitors.  “This definitely has added to the prestige and recognition of our Shrine,” Vanderbeck says.  “Also, when families put their mother’s name on the wall, they tell their friends and the word gets out.”

Nominate A Mom
Another way the Shrine is getting the word out about celebrating mothers is through its Mother of the Year contest.  Nominations are being accepted now through Aug. 16 for moms who successfully balance work and family, lead at their job, give back to the community, overcome obstacles and inspire and motivate others.  The winner’s name will be engraved on the Mother’s Wall of Life; if her name is already on the wall, she can donate the prize to another mother of her choice.  The winner will be announced at Mass on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30.  See the Shrine’s web site, www.mothersshrine.com, for contest details.

Right now the Shrine is blooming with thousands of bright springtime flowers.  Adding to the beauty is the inspiring Avenue of the Flags, featuring the colorful flags of 102 countries.  Sparkling pools and fountains and inviting pathways complete the peaceful surroundings that encourage quite meditation and appreciation. During the holiday season, the grounds are illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights.  A gift shop also is on-site. 

Behind the scenes, the Shrine offers a free Resource Center to help mothers who may need assistance in a variety of challenging situations.  Additionally, the online Computer Bank contains more than 6,700 individual testimonials to people’s beloved mothers. 

The awe-inspiring Shrine grounds are always open for anyone to visit at no charge.  Outdoor Mass is celebrated at 8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

For more information about the unique National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, please call (573) 374-MARY (6279) or visit www.mothersshrine.com.  And for more information about other attractions at the Lake of the Ozarks, plus details about Lake-area lodging, dining, shopping, entertainment and activities, please contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at (800) FUN LAKE or visit www.funlake.com.

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