Catholics in the state of Illinois can make pilgrimages without having to leave the state. There are a number of Catholic shrines of Illinois. where Catholics can go to renew their spirits. Some of these shrines are old, others are fairly new. One such shrine is The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois.
Construction on the shrine in Belleville began in 1958 with an original purchase of 80 acres of land. Today the shrine is 200 acres in size and is host to a fine dining restaurant, hotel, conference center, amphitheatre, church, retirement community, and a gift shop with bookstore. It is one of the largest outdoor shrines in North America, and draws visitors from around the world.
This large, outdoor shrine offers a peaceful environment that is ideal for spiritual and physical rejuvenation. The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows draws Catholics from around the world because of its beauty, serenity, and awe-inspiring grounds and facilities.
Some guests come to drive through the shrine to enjoy its beauty, some walk around for a few hours, and others stay for days to soak in everything that the shrine has to offer. There are also a number of programs, such as the youth sing praise, that make this shrine a popular draw for people of all creeds. In comparison to the other Catholic shrines of Illinois, this Belleville-based shrine stands out as a significant display of outdoor natural beauty.