Basilica of Our Lady San Juan de Valle National Shrine

Located in San Juan, Texas. The Church and shrine were built in 1954 and dedicated to the Virgen de San Juan. In October 1970 the shrine was destroyed by a low flying airplane. It burst into flames and luckily nobody inside was injured or killed.

In 1980 a new shrine was dedicated. Later, in 1998 it was dedicated as a 'national' shrine and a year later, Pope John Paul II designated it as a minor Basilica. The shrine seats 3500 people.

Through out the campus there are 14 Stations Of The Cross.

On the north side of the shrine is a 45' tall mosaic that was completed in 1995. It depicts Jesus presenting His mother to the Valley.

Close-up of the mosaic tiles. Most

are no bigger than 1" square.