Shrine of St. Therese

On 46 acres overlooking the Lynn Canal in Juneau, lies the peaceful, beautiful retreat of the Shrine of St. Thérèse. Welcoming all people of all faiths, the Shrine is in dedication to St. Thérèse of Lisieux—the patron saint of Alaska. With a stone chapel, labyrinth, crypt, and quaint cabins for on-site lodging, the Shrine has become a revered getaway to recharge mind, body, and soul.

Visiting The Shrine of St. Therese

The National Shrine of St. Thérèse is in the wilderness of the Tongass National Forest, about 22 miles north of downtown Juneau on Glacier Highway. With accessible walking trails that take you on a spiritual journey, an elaborate labyrinth, and beautiful Shrine Island to explore, there is peace and serenity to be found in every corner of the property.

To get there, you'll need to take a taxi, which can be found here.

About The Shrine of St. Therese

Only 22 miles north of Juneau, the Shrine has offered respite for people of all faiths for more than 80 years. Built on a dream of bringing people together for something greater than themselves, the Shrine honors the message of St. Thérèse —that all are inherently worthy of God’s love, and that beauty is found in the simple “ordinary” events of everyday life.

Highlights include:

• The Stone Chapel: The centerpiece of the shrine, this small yet stunning stone chapel is surrounded by towering trees and offers spectacular views of Lynn Canal. Built in the 1930s, the chapel features beautiful stained-glass windows and a rustic interior, making it a peaceful spot for reflection.
  


• The Rosary Walk: This meditative path winds through the forest, featuring plaques that depict the mysteries of the rosary. It's an ideal way to connect with nature while experiencing moments of quiet contemplation.
  


• Labyrinth: The outdoor labyrinth is a unique addition to the shrine. Designed for spiritual reflection, the circular path offers a meditative experience as you walk toward its center and back out.
  


• Coastal Views and Wildlife: The shrine is located on a rocky point overlooking Lynn Canal. On a clear day, you can see snow-capped mountains and possibly spot whales, sea lions, or bald eagles in the surrounding waters.
  


• Columbarium and Memorial Gardens: For those interested in the shrine’s spiritual and historical significance, the memorial gardens and columbarium (a resting place for cremated remains) add another layer of meaning to the visit.
  

History

Thérèse Martin was a Carmelite Order cloistered nun who was born in France in 1873. Entering the order at the age of 15, Thérèse died at 24 years old. Her autobiography “The Story of a Soul”, told a story of her “Little Way” and expressed God’s love for the ordinary people. She believed the purpose of life was to respond to God’s inherent love for humanity, and that all were worthy in his eyes.
After St. Thérèse of Lisieux was canonized and named the patron saint of Alaska in 1925, Father William LeVasseur—a Jesuit priest—started dreaming of creating Alaska’s first retreat house in her name. this idea was supported by Alaska’s first bishop, Bishop Joseph Raphael John Crimont, who was from the same area of France as St. Thérèse and knew members of her family.

Volunteers came together to construct the chapel and firsdt structures of the retreat, and the first mass was held there in 1941. The local community supported the Shrine through the decades, and in 2016, it was raised to the status of “national shrine”.

Interesting Facts

The beauty of The Shrine of St. Thérèse speaks to her message of finding love and celebration in the simplicity of life and the natural world around us. With stunning, well-maintained grounds, the Shrine is open to anyone who needs a break from the hustle of daily life to reenergize their soul.

• At least four miracles vetted by the Church have been attributed to St. Thérèse—all of which involved spontaneous and miraculous healing after the afflicted prayed to the Saint.
  


• St. Thérèse is known as “The Little Flower of Jesus”, and The League of the Little Flower was started in 1953 in an effort to make the Shrine self-sufficient.
  


• Bishop Crimont, who first supported the idea for the Shrine, was buried at the ground’s crypt after passing away in 1945.
  


• 15 Stations of the Cross rock structures were built from mortar and beach stone around 1940 at the Shrine to depict the scenes of Christ’s final days.
  

Points of Interest

Whether you are a Christian on a pilgrimage to Alaska’s holy areas or you are simply looking to recharge your spirit in the peace and serenity of nature, the National Shrine of St. Thérèse is a testament to the power of community coming together in a mission of love. Open year-round and inclusive of all faiths and orders, visiting the Shrine offers a welcome break from the stress of everyday life.

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