Shrine Gift/Book Shop

The Shrine Gift/Book Shop has gone through a number of uses over its life. Prior to becoming a Shrine Gift Shop, it was called the "LeVasseur Cabin,” named after the man who first envisioned this Shrine and was instrumental in promoting it faithfully, Father William G. LeVasseur, S.J.

For a brief time, this structure was the original post office. It has also been used as a retreat master’s residence and a retreatant cabin. After experiencing the effects of the Southeastern rain and weathering this building became unusable in the 1970’s. Knowing that its repair would be worthwhile, the Shrine Board approved its renovation. This historical cabin received much work, mostly by volunteers, from 1985-1990, and it became a very useable facility.

For several years it functioned as a day or overnight retreat place for an individual, couple, family, or smaller group, and as a meeting place for youth or adults desiring a simple atmosphere. In addition, it served well for a coffee social facility following the summer Liturgy or for other occasions of celebration.

Even though its current primary purpose is for use as a Shrine Gift/Book Store, plans are to continue using it in a day-use modified fashion , including the Sunday coffee social following the 1:30pm Shrine summer Masses.

This Shrine Gift Shop is stocked with numerous items that almost anyone will find worth investigating. There are varieties of medals, rosaries, magnets, books, caps, toys, candles, angels, pendants, pens and pins, and even several St. Therese walking sticks, hand fashioned from Juneau native alder.

Anyone wanting to visit the Shrine Gift Shop should find its doors open and the lights on from 8:30 am to 8pm during the months of Oct.-March and 8:30 am to 10:00pm from April-Sept. There are signs posted at the Shrine that guide one to the Gif Shop. And, one can browse as long as one wants to for there is no pressure to buy anything. Payment is made thru the honor system by dropping coins, bills, or checks in the drop box found inside the Shop. All payments made for the purchase of gifts or books goes toward restocking the Gift Shop items. Any revenue made on the sales after the restocking purchases are made is channeled into the continued repair, maintenance, and enhancement of the Shrine of St. Therese. Please come and visit and see for yourself what a fine addition this Gift Shop is to the Shrine. Thanks for your support!