Mother Cabrini Shrine started 2021 with a capital campaign to restore and expand its main building in order to maximize the visitor experience for future generations. The focus of the Heart of Jesus Capital Campaign became clear after many discussions with visitors and discussions about what they would want to see in a renovated Mother Cabrini Shrine.

An estimated $4.5 million dollars will be raised to update the chapel, gift shop and conference facilities.

Kyle Dyer Storytelling produced a video story to kick of the campaign, complete with motion graphics to bring architectural renderings to life. And, we also arrived at the Shrine at sunrise on a spectacular January morning to fly a drone right up alongside the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the top of the Shrine’s property.

This campaign is named after the Heart of Jesus because Mother Cabrini was deeply devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our drone images of the 22-foot tall statue at the Shrine provides a never-before-seen, front-on view of Jesus (most of the time, we are all looking up at the statue) and captures how he is pulling his garment to the side to show off this Sacred Heart.

The gift shop is the first to be renovated. It will be made larger and more open on the first floor of the main building.

The Shrine is providing new elevator access to the second floor where the chapel will be renovated to welcome more worshipers. There will be moveable walls added to the back of the chapel that will open up to additional seating, when it is needed. The plan is to welcome up to 400 people from the current limit of 250.

There will also be new meeting spaces and restrooms to better serve large retreat groups, weddings and special events.

Aside from the video story to capture the impact of this campaign, we produced a short story that Mother Cabrini Shrine is using on social media.

Rev. John Lager, O.F.M. Cap., is the Campaign Chair and he wrote this prayer for it’s success:

Almighty and Eternal Father, Giver of all gifts, show us your mercy and grant we beseech you, through the merits of your faithful servant St. Frances Xavier Cabrini that all who invoke her intercession at Mother Cabrini Shrine may obtain what they desire according to your Most Holy Will.

O Lord, we come before you today, seeking your bountiful gifts from the faithful who have supported Mother Cabrini Shrine over these decades.

Please continue to enhance this Holy Ground where Mother Cabrini herself walked and where she struck the rock for which springs of living water will still flow.

Bless the Heart of Jesus Campaign as we seek to renew and refresh the legacy she has entrusted to us here at Mother Cabrini Shrine.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, beloved spouse of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, intercede for us now that the favor we ask for may be granted. Amen.