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Darien, Illinois: World's Largest Religious Wood Carving

The carving is a depiction of the many stages of St. Therese's life. Also on display: a piece of the saint's flesh.

National Shrine of St. Therese

Address:
8501 Bailey Rd, Darien, IL
Directions:
National Shrine of St. Therese. From Chicago, take I-55 south about 20 miles to Cass Ave. N. Turn left at Frontage Road light, follow road around until it turns into Bailey Rd. Shrine will be on your right.
Hours:
M-Su 10 am-4 pm. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
630-969-4141
Admission:
Free.
RA Rates:
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Religious relics.

World's Largest Religious Wood Carving

The National Shrine of St. Therese, located in suburban Chicago, has two very important distinctions. First, it is the home to the largest wood carving in the world, a depiction of the many stages of St. Therese's life.

In addition, the shrine holds five first-degree relics of St. Therese, the most interesting of which is an actual piece of St. Therese's flesh, preserved in a glass case along with bone fragments and other relics, just beneath the wood carving.

[Matt B, 08/21/2008]

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In the region:
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