National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini - Chicago, Illinois

(Photos by Karen Calloway/Catholic New World)

Destination: After a decade-long closure, the National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini reopened last October. Italian-born Mother Cabrini became a U.S. citizen in 1909. Her canonization was marked by Cardinal Samuel Stritch and thousands of others at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 22, 1946.
Mass is offered in the shrine chapel at 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Why to go: Mother Cabrini, the universal patron saint of immigrants, worked tirelessly to help settle Italian immigrants to the U.S., and especially to Chicago, in the early part of the 20th century. The shrine includes a museum that tells the story of her life and work, built around the preserved room in which she died. The 1955 chapel also has been preserved and its frescoes, statues, lighting and acoustics enhanced. Four alcoves allow for individual prayer. Outside, there is a new gated garden.
Be sure to download the Shrine Tour Guide from the website before you go. It provides details about the individual elements of the shrine.
In the photo, a visitor to the shrine prays at Mother Cabrini’s preserved bedroom.
Special events: This month, the shrine will host its first movie night. At 7 p.m., Jan. 25, “The Way” will be screened and viewers can take part in a discussion afterward. Reservations are required; for information send email to SFXCabrini@mssh.onmicrosoft.com.
Access: There is limited parking in a garage at 460 W. Deming Place. You’ll need to pull up to a pedestal at the garage entrance and buzz for admission; if spaces are open, you can park there.
Admission: Donations to support the shrine are always appreciated. The museum is closed on Monday, but is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
(Grand) Kid friendly:  Yes, but because there are many people visiting the shrine to pray, this is a place for the kids to visit quietly.
Info: Address: National Shrine of St. Frances  Xavier Cabrini, 2520 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 Phone: 773/360-5115.  Web: http://cabrinishrinechicago.com

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org