St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (Maria Stein, Ohio)

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Maria Stein, Ohio, a small community in Marion Township, Mercer County. The church is a prominent landmark and historical site, known for its impressive Romanesque Revival architecture and its association with the Shrine of the Holy Relics, one of the largest collections of relics in the United States.

Founded in the mid-19th century by immigrants from the German-speaking regions of Europe, the church quickly became a focal point of the growing community. The present church building, constructed between 1892 and 1897, replaced an earlier, smaller structure. The architecture is characterized by its tall spires, ornate stained-glass windows, and detailed stone carvings.

The Shrine of the Holy Relics is housed within the church complex, displaying thousands of relics belonging to saints and figures of the Christian faith. The relics are believed to have been collected by Father Francis de Sales Brunner, the founder of the local Missionaries of the Precious Blood.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church continues to serve as an active parish within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, offering regular Mass services and other sacraments. It is also a popular pilgrimage destination for Catholics and those interested in religious history and art. The church and its associated shrine play a significant role in the cultural and religious identity of the Maria Stein community.