Each year, thousands of pilgrims come to Stockbridge to visit The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Today, it’s in the midst of the largest renovation project in its 60 year history.

Rev. Anthony Gramlich, rector, National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, “The first thing was to restore the murals of the church, second was to restore the stained glass windows, but then we started noticing other things that needed renovation; the marble and the sanctuary also needed renovation.”

The church suffered extensive water damage eight years ago, damaging much of its artwork. But the repairs go further than just the murals. Father Anthony Gramlich says every part of the shrine is receiving some sort of refurbishment.

Rev. Gramlich, “It’s really been great from the top, with the new lights. We also restored the flooring in the shrine, we put in a new floor, and so it’s from top to bottom it’s been restored.”

The renovation began last month. And work on the murals, stained glass windows, floors, and statues has all been completed. However, Father Anthony says there is still a lot left to do. “We’re still working on the sound system, we’re still working on re-finishing the kneelers with memory foam pad. We’re also going to putting in new relics in our kneelers, and then the trim around the church and the pews we’re still doing.”

Father Anthony says he can’t wait to share the new and improved shrine with everyone in a couple of weeks. “It’s something maybe that people don’t see a lot, and it’s great for people to just see something that’s beautiful, that’s majestic.”

Father Anthony says the renovation is actually a little bit ahead of schedule, and he’s confident that all the work will be finished by February 26^th, which Ash Wednesday.