Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, commonly known as Penrose Park (located in the Southern Highlands, NSW), is a renowned place of veneration of the replica of the Icon of Our Lady of Jasna Góra, known as the Black Madonna. The Shrine is ministered by the Order of St Paul the First Hermit, known as the Pauline Fathers, who have been the custodians of the original Icon of the Black Madonna for more than 630 years.
Mission Statement
The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, Penrose Park, under the custodianship of the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit (Pauline Fathers), is dedicated to serving the Catholic Church in Australia. Our mission is to foster a place of prayer, providing spiritual enrichment and renewal for pilgrims of many nationalities. We achieve our mission by celebrating the sacraments, especially the Holy Mass and Confession, as well as devotional practices and preaching, leading pilgrims to Jesus through the hands of Mary, Our Lady of Mercy. By spreading the Gospel message of Jesus Christ through true devotion to Mary, Mother of God, the Shrine serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who visit.
Our Lady of Jasna Góra
The icon of Our Lady of Jasna Góra in Poland is under the custodianship of the Order of St Paul the First Hermit, and it has, over the centuries, been credited with many miracles. It is a long way from Poland to Australia. Still, it was surely a miracle that brought Father Augustine Łazur to Australia in April 1981, intending to establish a Marian Shrine in this country.
Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy
Fr. Augustine Lazur arrived in Australia in 1981 and established the Shrine of our Lady of Mercy in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales in 1984. The Shrine Church is dedicated to Our Lady under the title of Our Lady of Mercy, as represented by a replica of the icon of the Black Madonna. The original icon of the Black Madonna has been under the custodianship of the Pauline Fathers since 1382, and they promote devotion to her where ever they go. So naturally, when building a new shrine, she becomes the centre of devotion.
But the Shrine has grown much since its founding and now has many smaller shrines built by pilgrims and devoted to the best-loved saints of all over the world. People of many different nationalities come to Penrose Park to visit their shrines for days of prayer.
The Shrine has several days when many pilgrims come to visit the Shrine. Particularly popular is the Fatima Day devotions, on the 13th of Every Month, which sometimes draws crowds of over a thousand pilgrims. Visit our events page to see more about what happens at the Shrine.
Pauline Fathers – Order of St. Paul the First Hermit
The Order of St. Paul the First Hermit, commonly known as the Pauline Fathers, was established around 1250 in Hugury by Blessed Eusebius. The Pauline Fathers spread rapidly to neighbouring countries and had thousands of monks. A highlight in the Order’s history occurred in 1382 when they became the custodians of the miraculous picture of Our Lady, known as the Black Madonna, believed to be painted by St Luke the Evangelist. It is now in their mother house at Jasna Góra in Poland. The Pauline Fathers, who arrived in Australia in 1981, now have two monasteries and four parishes.
Donations
Penrose Park needs funds to continue the work done for the good of pilgrims who visit the Shrine to provide a place for prayer and worship and to have an uplifting day out. Please visit our donations page to see how you can donate, or go directly to our Online Donations page.