ST. JOHN | When bus loads of people visit a new religious attraction in St. John, local leaders are counting on them to stop at restaurants, shops and even hotels along the way.

The Shrine of Christ's Passion, a prayer trail that will feature life-size bronze statues depicting the Stations of the Cross and four other religious scenes, is under construction on the west side of U.S. 41, about a mile south of 93rd Avenue.

The shrine is expected to open at the end of June, said Paul Anderson, visitor center and store manager there.

The attraction could become the heart of a religious-themed tour of the region, said Speros Batistatos, president and CEO of the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Just as people of all denominations are drawn to places of worship and religious attractions when they visit Europe, they could have a similar experience in the region. The shrine could be linked on a tour with other attractions, such as the Carmelite Monastery in Munster and the Chapel of the Resurrection in Valparaiso, he said.

"I think Mr. (Frank) Schilling has given us the crown jewel, the real magnet that's going to anchor the rest of this tour," Batistatos said.

Schilling, heading the creation of the shrine, is a regional leader for his vision, Batistatos said.

The diversity of the region's ethnic population is best told through its houses of worship. For 15 years, the bureau has been working to put together tours of religious attractions in the area, he said.

Anderson began working with the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau about nine months ago. He spread the word nationally via a news release last month. And a story will appear in a trade magazine for tour bus operators.

"We do have a few (tours) booked," he said. "We want more."

St. John doesn't have any hotels, which means the trail will have a major impact for surrounding communities in the areas of lodging and dining, Batistatos said.

St. John Town Manager Steve Kil said he hasn't heard from any developers interested in opening a hotel in town, but he knows it will generate business for existing shops and restaurants.

"I think it will have a positive impact, with regards to local businesses, especially restaurants," Kil said.