Published July 19, 2018
Our Lady of the Ozarks Shrine in Winslow has completed its addition of a permanent handicap ramp for the convenience of parishioners and visitors. The ramp is made of concrete stained to match the rock work of the 75-year-old shrine, and slopes from the south side of the front porch to the handicap parking spaces nearby. Adding the ramp meant removing one of the porch’s two hand-hewn rock balustrades, but the carefully removed balustrade is being converted into a stone prayer bench positioned in front of Our Lady of the Ozarks, Virgin of the Smile statue outdoors in front of the shrine.
“The significance of altering any part of Arkansas’ only shrine weighed on the minds of us all as we sought the least intrusive plan to enable every person to easily enter the shrine,” said Deacon Mike Henry, pastoral administrator. “With the insight and helpful direction of Father John Antony, our pastor, and the support of Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, we were able to effect an important improvement that not only opened up the shrine to all worshippers, but at the same time respected the original design of the native stone chapel.”
Our Lady of the Ozarks Shrine is located on Highway 71 Scenic Byway halfway between Fort Smith and Fayetteville. Presently the Shrine offers a Mass each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. preceded by the Chaplet of Mercy at 8:50 a.m., the rosary at 9 a.m., and reconciliation at 9 a.m.
Two pilgrimages are offered each year, one in May and one in October. All are welcome to attend.
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