“This is What Mother Would Want:” Mother Cabrini Shrine Closer to Fundraising Goal

Mother Cabrini Shrine started a $4.5 million capital campaign in January 2021. Eight months later, it has reached a little more than 75% of its goal, allowing it to proceed with the final phase (and biggest phase) of renovations which will allow the Shrine to welcome more visitors and for decades to come.

September 17th marked the 20th Annual Mother Cabrini Shrine Gala. The Sisters and staff at the Shrine decided to take all the funds raised that night and put it towards the Heart of Jesus Capital Campaign.

As Fr. John Lager, O.F.M. Cap., Chair of the Heart of Jesus Capital Campaign, says…  “This is what Mother would want… and with the Grace of God, Mother always gets what she wants.”

Kyle Dyer Storytelling produced a video story that set up the fundraising portion of the evening at the Gala. In the story, we weaved a prayer written and recited by Fr. Lager with breathtaking aerial video of the Shrine in it’s summertime splendor and detailed blueprints of the remodel that is planned.

The remodel of the chapel is set to begin in November 2021. Elevator access will be added from the first floor of the main building to the second floor where the chapel is located. Among the structural changes planned for the chapel are moveable walls that will allow for large audiences, when needed. By enlarging the space, the chapel will be able to hold up to 400 people from its current limit of 250. Alongside the chapel, there will be new meetings spaces for large retreat groups, weddings and special events as well as updated restrooms.

This final phase of renovations should take a year to complete. Donations that came in at the start of the campaign went to creating new retreat space and updating and enlarging the Shrine’s gift shop. The gift shop expansion alone has proven to be very popular with visitors during the Summer of 2021. Coming soon to this space, a cafe.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini fell in love with the Rocky Mountains and when she bought the land where the Shrine now sits, it was her intention that it be visited by people who wanted a peaceful place for reflection, prayer and comfort. Now, with the refresh of what she started many decades ago, Mother Cabrini Shrine is ready to welcome more people from Colorado and beyond.

This short video story was produced to promote the 20th Anniversary Gala, which ended up being a sold-out event.

And following the success of the event, Kyle Dyer Storytelling produced this “thank you” video that Mother Cabrini Shrine sent to supporters. The video ends with a reminder about the upcoming Cabrini Day, October 4th. In 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed off on a legislative bill to make the first Monday in October, Cabrini Day. It is the first state paid holiday in the nation that recognizes a woman.