Black Madonna Shrine, Missouri
The
Black Madonna Shrine and Grotto is located in the unincorporated area south of
Pacific and Southwest of
Eureka. It was constructed in 1938 by Brother Bronislaus, a Polish native, of the
Franciscan order.
The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Czestochowa and is a replica of the shrine in Czestochowa. The image is referred as the Black Madonna because the skin tones are dark brown, reflecting the probable true skin color of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus versus the Anglo traditional white.
The shrine has been subjected to arson and vandalism many times in its history such as in 1958 when an arsonist set fire to the altar which burned the chapel.
Driving Directions
The most direct route to the Shrine is to take Interstate 44 to the Pacific Exit. Go east on Bus Route 44 to highway F. Take highway F 4 miles south of Pacific, the shrine is located on the right past highway FF.
The scenic route is to take Interstate 44 to the Eureka Exit. Turn onto highway W. Make a right onto highway FF until it terminates at highway F. Make a left onto highway F the shrine is located about a mile past highway FF on the right.
External links