Click here to see photo gallery of Festival of Lights

For 25 years area residents have enjoyed the Christmas lights at the Shrine of St. Patrick’s Church and the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church.  What started as Father Barnett’s Christmas gift to the community has grown into a spectacular display of lights.

Father Barnett started the Festival of Lights, lighting up the area, because he said there were not many Christmas lights in the community when he came in 1976.  When the church was finished in 1980, Christmas lights adorned the structure and the grounds.  More lights are added each year while still focusing on the true meaning of Christmas.  It is a very serene setting, no animation or commercial displays, just lights focusing on the Church and the Mothers’ Shrine.

With the Enchanted Village of Lights in the Laurie Fairgrounds within a mile of the Church, most people will visit both light displays the same evening.  The Enchanted Village of Lights keeps track of everyone that goes through the park.  This past year 7,026 people visited the Enchanted Village of Lights.

There are usually several tour buses that come through the light display each year.  These visitors to the Shrine are treated to cake and coffee and a trip to the gift shop.  

Father Edwin Cole became pastor of the Shrine of St. Patrick in July 2006.  He said he has no plans to change the Festival of Lights. He sees it as being in the spirit of the season.  It is a festival of lights and is reflecting, in a very dynamic way, that Christ is the light of the world.  It is a privilege to share the light and joy and the beauty of this time of the year.