Meeting at Marytown

In Libertyville, Illinois, Marytown is the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Franciscan friar who died in Auschwitz to save another. It’s a pilgrimage site run by Conventual Franciscan friars, offering a peaceful retreat north of Chicago.

Marytown’s roots trace to the 1926 Eucharistic Congress in Chicago, led by Cardinal George Mundelein. Inspired by the event, he commissioned the Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, which the Benedictine Sisters built and opened in 1928. They began perpetual adoration on June 7, 1928, a practice unbroken for nearly a century. In 1978, the Franciscan Friars took over, dedicating it to St. Maximilian Kolbe.

Today, Marytown offers a 24/7 adoration chapel, daily confessions, and a retreat house open to all. Maintained by the Friars, it blends history with a peaceful vibe, perfect for reflection.

All are welcome at Marytown, regardless of faith. Visit the adoration chapel, join a retreat, or enjoy its beauty. Discover Kolbe’s legacy in Libertyville—a gem worth seeing!