Author: Bryan Boyle

Beginning on Monday, September 13, 2021, we will be transitioning to new hours at the shrine to accommodate more pilgrims and present a simplified schedule.

We want to sincerely thank you all for having patience with us during this time as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to make several changes in hours of operation since March 2020.

The Shrine continues to be staffed completely by volunteers; we continue to ask for your prayers as well as patience as we continue the mission of returning St. Anne Shrine to its place of healing and peace in the Diocese and surrounding areas.

Of course, if you are interested in assisting the Preservation Society as a volunteer, we ask that you call the Shrine at 508-678-1510 during the business hours below, or email volunteers@st-annes-shrine.org and express your interest. While we can not offer any monetary pay, please know that your efforts in supporting the Shrine will help us reach our goal of opening the entire building to access by pilgrims of all walks of life.

Our new hours of operation are:

SUNDAY: 12:00PM-4:00PM
MONDAY: 10:00AM-4:00PM
TUESDAY: 10:00AM-4:00PM
WEDNESDAY: 10:00AM-4:00PM
THURSDAY: 10:00AM-4:00PM
FRIDAY: 10:00AM-4:00PM
SATURDAY: 10:00am-4:00PM

Dr. David Burkart, known expert in the field of ecclesial heraldry, was engaged to ’emblazon’ a Coat of Arms for the Shrine as we move forward. Heraldry is a specialized field of identification, where the symbols and colors used are meant to convey a message. In this case, the design Dr. Burkart developed draws on the rich symbolism of the Dominican Order, which built this beloved church and shrine, as well as the Quebecois and Portuguese traditions which sustained St. Anne Church and Shrine for over a century. While the language used to describe the image is arcane, we hope that you will begin to see this image in various places and events at St. Anne.

Translating the colors used: Sable=Black, Or=Gold, Argent=Silver, Azure=Blue. The Fleur de Lis represents the heritage of the Quebecois immigrants, the Iberian Shield is taken from the flag of Portugal, and the SA in the trefoil is that of the Shrine itself. All are impressed on the simple shield of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and surmounted by the symbols of authority, the Torse (which is a staff of government) and the Gold Crown (coronet) as subject to proper legal authority. Our motto is taken from the engraving “DOM” over the front doors of the upper church: “To God, the Greatest and Best”.

Announcing the first annual Clam Boil to benefit the restoration of St. Anne Shrine

Fr. Edward Murphy, Chaplain of the Shrine, has announced the Fall 2021 schedule for his Healing Mass ministry at St. Anne Shrine of Fall River.

The dates are as follows, and all Masses start at 6:30PM, preceded at 6:00 PM with the recitation of the Holy Rosary and availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The dates for this wonderful ministry are as follows:

• Thursday, September 23, 2021
• Thursday, October 28, 2021 (The closing Mass for the annual Novena to St. Jude)
• Thursday, November 18, 2021
• Thursday, December 16, 2021
• Thursday, January 27, 2022

For more information, please contact the shrine office at 508-678-1510, or email the shrine at info@st-annes-shrine.org