Welcome to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, “Penrose Park”. This Shrine is dedicated to prayer, the worship of God, and the veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in accordance with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
To maintain the sacred nature of this place, all visitors must adhere to the following:
Respect for the Sacred
- The Shrine is a place of prayer, reverence and worship. Please maintain respect and decorum at all times.
- Modest dress and respectful behaviour are required at all times.
Prohibited Conduct
- No Individual/group activities/demonstrations/rallies or displays (banners, posters, flags or propaganda) representing political or anti Catholic / anti-religion movements, ideologies or secret societies (EG, Freemasons, Scientologists, Covens, Gang symbols or similar organisations). Any unauthorised display will result in the Individual / Group being asked to leave the Shrine.
- Aggressive or intimidating behaviour will NOT be tolerated. Such behaviour may result in people being asked to leave the Shrine or in legal action being taken, depending on the circumstances.
- No weapons, drugs or excess in alcohol that may disturb the peace, sanctity and safety of the Shrine and other pilgrims.
- Pets must be restrained and kept within the owners’ vicinity. No animals (unless they are support animals or permission has been granted by the Pauline Fathers) are to be brought into the Shrine Church, the area of the International chapels, or the Grotto.
- No loud music is to be played from car stereos or group setups (especially music of a secular, suggestive or demonic nature), which will ruin the sanctity of the Shrine and annoy others using the Shrine.
- Fires are not to be lit without permission from either the Rector or Vice Rector of the Shrine during the burn season (May – September). Outside of the burn season, fires are absolutely forbidden.
- The Shrine is NOT to be used as a toilet stop by groups wishing to avoid the Sutton Forest Service Station (3km away).
Authority and Compliance
- The Shrine community, staff and authorised personnel reserve the right to refuse entry or request the departure of any individual or group not complying with these conditions.
- Failure to comply may result in removal and/or reporting to the appropriate authorities.
Photography and Media
- Personal photography is permitted unless otherwise stated.
- No commercial photography, filming (including the use of drones) or media interviews are to be taken without prior written approval from the Rector or Vice Rector of the Shrine.
Group Pilgrimages / Visits
+ Religious pilgrimage and Parish groups are welcome.
- All groups of 10 or more persons have to book in with the Shrine via the “Group Booking form” online
- Visiting Clergy who are part of a group MUST report/sign in to the Main Monastery before exercising public ministry in the Shrine.
- Gas BBQs are permitted year-round. Charcoal and fire BBQs are only to be used with permission from the Rector or Vice Rector of the Shrine. Barbequing (gas or charcoal) is to be done in open, flat areas, constantly supervised, and NOT under or near trees or foliage, or left unattended.
- Group Gatherings must leave the area they use in the same state it was found, rubbish and recycling are to be put into the bins provided by the Shrine. Overflow of rubbish is to be taken by the group and disposed of at home.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and can vary depending upon situations and occasions. It is up to the sole discretion of the Pauline Fathers and Brothers to implement and enforce restrictions as seen fit to maintain the sanctity and peacefulness of the Shrine.
Once again, welcome to Penrose Park, and we hope you have a wonderful and spiritually uplifting time.
God bless!
Pauline Fathers and Brothers