Good Shepherd Rosary Trail
Enjoy a Spiritual Walk
Located just across Shrine Creek and overlooking Lynn Canal, the Rosary Trail is a level, wheelchair-navigable walking path bordered by gardens. The path begins with a bronze plaque of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who reaches out and cares for all of us, especially those less fortunate in the “eyes of the world.”
The trail continues with areas representing the four mysteries – Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous – and five plaques centering on the events of Christ’s life within each Mystery, ending at Michelangelo’s Pieta Grotto.
The original form of the Rosary, which included the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, and the Glorious Mysteries, was established in the Middle Ages after the Hail Mary became popular. The Luminous Mysteries, a meditation on the ministry of Christ, were added by St. Pope John Paul II in 2000. The name “rosary” indicates a garland of roses. Linked together systematically, the Rosary beads symbolize a crown of roses. The rosary is scripturally based, Christ-centered, and a rich devotional prayer source for many Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The repetition in the rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each Mystery. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ’s spirit dwells.
The Rosary Trail is dedicated to the memory of Bishop Michael Kenny, who, in many ways, exemplified the Good Shepherd.
Ready to Explore the Shrine?
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Volunteers, the Backbone of the Shrine!
From the beach stones gathered that make up the walls of the Shrine Chapel to the plants that grace the Marian and Biblical Gardens, all are the work of volunteers giving their time for the greater glory of God. Are you being called to this work?