In the 1940s, what started out as a dream for a young, energetic, Franciscan priest named Father Hubert Rakowski, later became reality when he stated, “if people come here to pray, I will build a Shrine.”
With two borrowed shovels and not a penny to spend, groundbreaking took place in July 1953 for the shrine’s footings. Being eight feet deep and four feet wide, they would support a structure consisting of 25,000 tons of native Onaway stone and an equal amount of cement spanning 142 feet wide and 43 feet tall.
Over two years, the people of Mio and surrounding areas built Our Lady of the Woods Shrine of monumental proportions.
The Marian Shrine was officially dedicated by the Diocese of Saginaw on Sept. 4, 1955, and the first outdoor Mass took place in May 1956.
A second dedication took place in 1958 for the Family Grotto addition, which represents the foundation of society. This grotto is dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary. There are two Bianco marble statues in the grotto: St. Anne holding Mary and one of young Jesus, Mary and Joseph. There are three first class relics found in the grotto as well: St. Anne, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Anthony of Padua.
Celebration of Mary
In 2012, when Father Santiago Hoyumpa came to St. Mary Parish in Mio, he resumed the outdoor Assumption Mass on Aug. 15, 2013. There is a magnolia tree near the back of the shrine that usually bears flowers in May; however, this year it waited until August to bear a few blooms. Is it a coincidence or miracle?
There are a number of Marian statues reflecting her apparitions, notably, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of LaSalette and Our Lady of Guadalupe. There are other representations such as the Pieta by Michelangelo and a mosaic of Our Lady of Czestochowa.
There are three ponds that portray a waterfall and the AuSable River. Near the pond are statues of deer and St. Hubert, patron saint of hunters. The deer remind us of Psalm 42:2 “As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God.”
There are also five steps leading up to the front fountain which represent the five decades of the rosary.
Around the structure are the Stations of the Cross, statues of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel as well as a large crucifix flanked by Mary and the beloved disciple, John. A statue of St. Francis of Assisi sits on a corner by the rectory.
Along the road, there is a large steel cross built by the Baptist community which includes tablets of the Ten Commandments. Finally, at the front of the shrine is a statue of Christ the King, reminding us that Jesus is the center of our life.
Renovations to the Shrine
Unfortunately, the Shrine had decayed over many years and so began a multi-year restoration process that is nearing completion with the final touches expected to be completed in 2026.
Tours are offered and pilgrims can shop the many items in the gift shop as well as viewing a very special soap carving.
With Our Lady of the Woods Shrine being designated as a Pilgrimage of Hope site for the entire year of 2025, pilgrims can visit and take advantage of the wonderful opportunity to receive indulgences and to experience the extraordinary graces from God.
Our Lady of the Woods Shrine is located at 100 Deyarmond St. in Mio. It is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk.
