St. Ann's Shrine Basilica - Scranton, PA - Roman Catholic Churches on Waymarking.com

From the church's website:

"More than a century ago the Passionists arrived in Scranton to conduct missions and retreats. The people and the local clergy loved them so much; the Fathers were invited to establish the congregation in the diocese.

"A plateau of 10 acres, rather high above the city, and known as "The Round Woods", was chosen by the Passionists and by Bishop Michael Hoban. Chosen on the day of the Virgin Mary's birthday, the new home of the Passionist Community was named in honor of Saint Ann, Mother of Mary. From July 17-25 the Passionists prayed a nine-day novena to St. Ann to ask her blessings, as was their custom.

"On March 25, 1904 Mass was celebrated at the Monastery for the first time by Bishop Hoban.Commanding a splendid view of surrounding hills and valleys, the Round Woods became a great attraction to people near and far, and the beginnings of a strong new parish began forming.

"Disaster struck on the morning of August 15, 1911 when a coal mine subsidence seriously damaged the monastery. The priests continued their ministries until two years later when another major slide caused them to evacuate. Mining experts predicted a huge collapse would carry the Monastery to the east.

"On July 28, 1913, two days after the Feast of St. Ann, amid earthly grumblings and flying coal dust, the priests and laity knelt in solemn prayer throughout the night. At daybreak they were startled by a tremendous rumble, followed by deafening silence. What was supposed to have been a giant slide, turned out to be two huge boulders moving into place underneath the building: Those rolling boulders closed the great fissures, making the Monastery grounds more solid than ever."

Type of Church: Basilica Status of Building: Actively in use for worship Date of building construction: 03/25/1904 Diocese: Scranton Address/Location: 1223 St Ann St Scranton, PA USA 18504 Relvant Web Site: [Web Link] Date of organization: Not listed Dominant Architectural Style: Not listed Associated Shrines, Art, etc.: Not listed Archdiocese: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   07/12/2013 buffalohiker visited it