National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe At Marytown -- Libertyville, Ill.

Destination: The Observer featured the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe in a Destinations article Oct. 3, 2008, but since one of our editors visited recently, we thought it could be time for a refresher. 

The shrine is run by Conventual Franciscan Friars consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The area is also home to the National Center for the Militia of the Immaculata and the Kolbe Holocaust Exhibit. 

Mass is held at the shrine at 10 a.m. (English) and 6 p.m. (English and Spanish), Monday-Friday; noon, Saturday; and 9 and 11 a.m. (English), Sunday. 

Photo: Above -- A visitor prays in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the national shrine. (Observer photos/ Amanda Hudson)
Below -- A photo in the Kolbe Holocaust exhibit depicts a carving of Jesus on the cell wall of Auschwitz, made by a fellow prisoner of St. Maximilian Kolbe. 

Why to go: Marytown frequently hosts events, including retreats, touring exhibits and more. Moreover, the bulletin we picked up announced 2022's class dates for consecration preparation. These classes offer opportunities for preparing for consecration to Mary and becoming part of the worldwide Militia of the Immaculata movement, connecting in part to St. Maximilian Kolbe’s great devotion to Mary. 

The classes will be held Aug. 6 and Nov. 12, 9-10:30 a.m., in Founders Hall. These are free, and are not a series. To register, call Deacon Tom Gaida at 847-367-7800 ext. 246 or email tom@KolbeShrine.org

Accessibility: The shrine is accessible to those with limited mobility. Parking is free.  

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! All ages are welcome. The shrine has plenty both inside and outside for young ones to explore. 

Info: Address — National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, 1600 W. Park Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048
Phone — 847-367-7800
Website — https://kolbeshrine.org/

— Megan Peterson compiled this story with information provided by Amanda Hudson. 

Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

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

Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org