The scenic beauty of Joy Valley provides the perfect setting for prayer and reflection.

The Marian Center is located in the lush hills of Joy Valley, just minutes east of Petoskey, in northern Michigan.

It was on the Feast Day of Good Saint Joseph on March 19, 1994, when the Marian Center opened up in Joy Valley.

Since then, thousands of people have been struck by the remarkable serenity of Joy Valley and have been inspired to pray.

We invite you to spend some time to walk around these Holy Grounds and see the Grotto of the Archangels, on a trail into woods you will see the Stations of the Cross as well as the Tomb of the Unborn Child.

If you visit while we are open, we will gladly give you a tour inside the Marian Center, where we have relics of the Twelve Apostles, our Catholic Gift Shop, our Evangelization Center where we hold many events, and the editorial offices of our newspaper, The Morning Star.

Our history

Inspired by their pastor, Father Andre Schludecker, Robert and Barbara Smith sold everything they had to start the Marian Center and its much-beloved Marian Conferences (going for 15 years in a row).

The Holy Spirit has used the Marian Conferences to bring people back to Catholic Church. One conference attendee went to Confession for the first time in 30 years!

Barbara Smith had a magical love for every soul she encountered and lived for God every day of her life. Barbara, a simple farm girl with no formal education, had started an apostolate that touched the lives of thousands of people.

On October 26, 2003, Barbara J. Smith was born into eternal life.

Today, Barb's daughter, Lori, and her husband, Josh Mercer, run the day-to-day operations of the Marian Center.

Robert Smith still lives in Petoskey, with his wife, Connie. Robert provides everyday help to Josh and Lori to help run the Marian Center. Father Andre now ministers to retired priests in Illinois, but he still provides regular guidance and prayer support.

Pay a visit to the Marian Center. For directions and hours of operation, click here...

To see photos of Anne Barbara Mercer, born Oct. 23, 2006, click here...