About Us

The ministry began in 1988, when Our Blessed Mother placed on the hearts of Larry and Mary Sue Eck her desire for them to begin a publication named Medjugorje Magazine. The magazine would highlight Our Lady's messages, miracle stories of conversions, healings, and the happenings in Medjugorje, located in the region of Bosnia, Herzegovina.  Sold in the magazine were items such as books, statues, rosaries, artwork, etc.  From there, a storefront was opened in Westmont, Illinois, and shortly thereafter a website named, appropriately, medjugorjemagazine.com.  We are now located in Downers Grove, Illinois.  The website medjugorjemagazine.com has since been pointed to our present-day website CatholicShoppeUSA.com.  We're glad you found us!

For a number of reasons -  Mary Sue’s health, and increased printing costs, we have, sadly, ended the publishing of Medjugorje Magazine.  The Spring 2024 issue was the final issue of Medjugorje Magazine.

At 90 years young, Mary Sue Eck is retiring, but will remain as a consultant and sits on the Board of Directors.  Her daughter Mari Campise will take on the responsibilities of President and Manager of The Catholic Shoppe, which employs 11 wonderful individuals. We pride ourselves with great customer service and offer high quality products with competitive prices to our valued customers. We thank Jesus and His Mother for bringing us together to be of service to you!

We are non-profit. Our proceeds go to orphans at Mother's Village in Bosnia, Pro-Life causes at the Women's Care Center in LaGrange and Chicago, IL, and Mercy Home for Boy's and Girl's in Chicago. Over the years we have given over 1 million dollars to these charities.

Mary Sue's husband, Larry, was called home to His Heavenly Father on December 11, 2011.  He continues to help us run the store, from above.  He will forever be in our hearts.