Things to do in Evergreen, Bailey & Conifer ~ Mother Cabrini Shrine
Our family has made a point to spend more time enjoying the community we live in and learn more of the history of our area. A few weeks ago when the weather was beautiful we decided to go and climb the steps up to the Mother Cabrini Shrine.
When we were growing up, every time we would drive down I70 towards Denver, or back home, we would look out the window to see if we could get a glimpse of the white statue on the hill. I had always wanted to go see what was up at the top of the mountain, up close and personal. After climbing a bunch of stairs to the top last week, we got our chance! (I would recommend going on a sunny day, after the snow has all melted, we encountered a lot of the steps covered in snow and ice, and bringing a bottle of water or two.)
The stairway to the top is called the "Stairway of Prayer" and was built in 1954. The stairway was built to follow the path that was used long ago by Mother Cabrini, the sisters and the orphaned girls that used to camp at the site during the summer. This stairway was also built to symbolize the journey Christ took through his crucifixion and death. On our journey to the top our kids enjoyed counting the steps to see if there really is 373 steps to the top. You will find markers along the way to help you keep track!
Once at the top you are greeted with the spectacular 360 degree view of Denver and the Foothills to the west. You also get to look closely at the beautifully carved statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, built in 1954 by an Italian artist, and the heart of white stones placed by Mother Cabrini, the sisters and the orphans.
Just below the stairs you will find the spring that was originally found by Mother Cabrini. Long ago the only water that could be found was the water in a stagnant pond next to the spring house. In the heat of the summer in 1912, the sisters were worried that there wasn't water to drink. Mother Cabrini instructed the sisters to “Lift that rock over there and start to dig. You will find water fresh enough to drink and clean enough to wash.” That spring is now housed in an 8,000 gallon tank and still runs today!
Many will come to recite and meditate on their ascent to the top. Others will take in the view along the way and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the gardens and statues. No matter the reason for your visit, it is well worth the effort to get to the top to get a good look at the statue so many of us get just a glimpse of from way below on I70.
See more fun things to do in Evergreen, Bailey and Conifer in the Macaroni Kid Guide: Things to Do in Evergreen, Bailey & Conifer
Mother Cabrini Shrine Info:
20189 Cabrini Rd
Golden, CO 80401
see map
Hours: Monday-Sunday 7am to 6pm
www.mothercabrinishrine.org
