Have you ever visited a shrine? Defined as being a “place regarded as holy because of its associations with a divinity or a sacred person or relic, marked by a building or other construction,” shrines are often thought to be in places like Egypt, India, and the UK, and not states like Colorado. Fortunately, this is not the case, as Colorado is home to a must-see shrine that most people do not know even exists:
Nestled away near Golden is the stunning Mother Cabrini Shrine; a 22-foot-tall statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that has a history as beautiful as the sculpture itself.
Founded by Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini (pictured) in 1910, the site of the shrine was originally a summer camp for the nearby Queen of Heaven Orphanage that allowed its young guests to both play outside and participate in farm chores.
During the first few summers, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart - who operated the orphanage and camp - could only supply water by walking down the mountain to a stream, filling their buckets, and walking back up, which they brought to Mother Cabrini's attention. Her response? To move a particular rock from the top of the mountain, which is where they uncovered a bountiful spring and never-ending supply of fresh water.
Following her death and beatification, the camp became a pilgrimage site and - after her canonization in 1946 - a shrine, with the iconic 22-foot-tall statue erected in 1954.
In addition to the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Mother Cabrini Shrine hosts several different events and retreats and also houses a chapel, overnight accommodations, Stations of the Cross, and more.
Address: 20189 Cabrini Boulevard, Golden, CO 80401
Have you had a chance to visit this magnificent shrine? Which part of it is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! While you are in the area, be sure to read up on The One Town Near Denver Everyone Must Visit This Fall.
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