Marytown - Libertyville, Illinois

(Observer photo by Tony Carton)

Destination: Marytown, a community of Conventual Franciscan Friars consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a place of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration.It is home to the National Center for the Militia of the Immaculata, the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe and its Kolbe Holocaust Exhibit, an overnight retreat house and pilgrimage destination, a conference center with full dining facilities, the largest Catholic gift shop and bookstore between Chicago and Milwaukee, 14 acres of outdoor shrines, and the offices of Immaculata magazine and Marytown Press.
Marytown invites the public to participate in all liturgical and devotional events. Mass: 7 a.m. and noon, Monday-Friday; 7:30 a.m. and noon, Saturday; 8:30 a.m., Sunday.
Why to go: Through God’s grace, Marytown is becoming one of the most vibrant centers of Catholic renewal in the Midwest.
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament chapel at Marytown is one of the most beautiful religious sites in America. Patterned after the Roman basilica, St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, its breathtaking stained glass, mosaics and marble work offer spiritual symbolism that instructs and inspires its visitors while drawing every pilgrim’s focal point to the 5 feet, 2 inches tall monstrance above the high altar.
During the Jubilee Year 2000, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops designated Marytown as the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe honoring the Polish saint and Franciscan priest, patron of journalists, families, prisoners, the pro-life movement, those afflicted with chemical dependency, eating disorders, and the media communications. The Kolbe/Holocaust Exhibit commemorates his life of charity and heroic death in the Auschwitz death camp.
Special events: Retreats for men, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, and for women, Nov. 28-Nov. 30. MI Teen Village meets every third Wednesday of the month; contact lrawls@miyouth.org or call 630/404-0138
Amenities: Bookstore and gift shop offers a large variety of religious gifts and literature. Open 9-5 Monday-Saturday, 9:30-3:30 Sunday.
Access: Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome to the  non-smoking environment with ample, free parking.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Absolutely, with plenty of room for exploring and interesting things to find. It is not unusual to find friars willing to teach even the most proficient budding soccer star how to really play the game.
Info: Address: 1600 West Park Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048-2593. Phone: 847/367-7800. Web: www.marytown.com

--Tony Carton

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