Fossilized Deer Footprint

After Shrine's 18-ton marble altar was set in place in the Sanctuary, the back half of the church was built and the floor stones were laid. A workman noticed that one floor stone in front of the Tabernacle area had a small defect. He asked Fr. Coughlin to inspect the stone and decide whether it should be replaced. Upon seeing the stone, Fr. Coughlin knew what the defect was, but contacted Wayne State University's Paleontology Department to confirm his thoughts. When inspecting the stone, the expert announced that the defect was a fossilized deer footprint. Immediately, Fr. Coughlin said, "It stays," and continued that, "as a deer thirsts for water, Jesus thirsts for souls." Today, that floor stone with the fossilized deer footprint remains in place and is a beautiful reminder of how deeply God loves us and wants us to have a personal relationship with him.