MARIA STEIN – As a way to celebrate All Saints Day, Maria Stein Shrine unveiled a modern way to search for the relics of saints located within the Relic Chapel.
The “eShrine” application was officially released at Maria Stein Shrine on Nov. 1. All of the relics on display are now available in a digital directory. An iPad with the app installed is available for use in the Relic Chapel. The Shrine houses and displays more than 1,200 relics.
Local companies have been involved in the development and design of this project. MidNet Media of Minster developed the application. Ergo Desktop of Celina assisted in providing the adjustable mechanism the iPad is mounted on and Homan Interiors of New Bremen built the cabinetry that provides the base for the stand. The relic of St. Bernard will be placed within the cabinet, in memory of Ben Homan.
According to Don Rosenbeck, president of the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics, “This project has been a long time coming. It started almost 3 years ago with an idea sprouted from the Shrine/museum committee. It was able to come to fruition because of a generous gift provide by Sister Dee Keller, which funded the project.”
The eShrine will be available for download on iTunes in the coming months. While the app is available to be used within the Relic Chapel, it can be downloaded for off-site use as well. Shrine officials anticipate that the app will become a popular tool in area religious education programs.
The Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics provides faith nourishment and spiritual renewal through opportunities for prayer and pilgrimage and inspiration from the lives of the saints. People from around the world visit the shrine to explore and enjoy this environment rich in holiness and history. The Relic Chapel is home to the second largest collection of relics of the saints in the United States.
The Shrine is located at 2291 St. John’s Road in Maria Stein. To learn more about the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics, visit www.mariasteinshrine.org.
