Queen of the Holy Rosary Shrine
Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament
Queen of the Holy Rosary Shrine was founded in 1935 through a generous, anonymous gift from Alexander J. Wey, who requested that a shrine be built in honor of Mary. At the time, Parma Heights was a quiet rural area, and the shrine was meant to offer travelers a peaceful place for reflection.
Dedicated on June 26, 1936, Queen of the Holy Rosary Shrine originally featured a pavilion with a statue of Mary and the Mysteries of the Rosary inscribed around the base. In 1952, the Shrine was remodeled with glass block walls and a stone altar to protect it from the elements. The statue of Mary, holding the Christ Child, was crafted by a Bavarian artist from a single piece of wood, symbolizing Mary as Queen and Mother, with a rosary linking her to Christ.
The Shrine was rebuilt and rededicated in 2000, and was fully enclosed with stained glass windows designed by artist Sr. Margaret Marszal, HM, featuring the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries of the Rosary. The faceless figures in the glass invite visitors to see themselves in the Mysteries. The Shrine is open 24/7 and all are welcome for prayer and candle lighting.
In 2022, Matthew Wey requested that his grandfather’s generous gift to the Sisters be acknowledged. Today, a plaque at the entrance honors Matthew’s grandfather, Alexander J. Wey, and the lasting impact of his generous gift ninety years ago. In 2024, Bishop Edward C. Malesic designated Queen of the Holy Rosary Shrine a diocesan Sacred Site for the Jubilee Year of Hope.
“People from different faiths and nationalities feel at home in front of the statue of Jesus and Mary, our Mother. The shelter of the stained glass windows, depicting the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary, allows visitors to come all year long. Everyday miracles of healing and conversion have taken place here. Queen of the Holy Rosary Shrine is an oasis of peace and tranquility in this busy and troubled world.”
— Sr. Monica Marie Navin, SIW
This Article is reprinted from the Sisters of the Incarnate Word The Word Summer 2025 newsletter.
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