Groups who visit the shrine benefit from a personal tour of the site that not only spiritual enriches, but also draws visitors into the American story that is a part of Mother Katharine's legacy. This 30-minute film, hosted by actress Jane Wyman, highlights Katharine Drexel's life. Pilgrims move next into the Native American Gallery, an extensive collection of southwest Indian crafts and tools. The tour continues through the courtyard where Mother Katharine led the congregation. The mission bell in the courtyard peels with joy whenever the Blessed Sacrament head to new missions around the country.
Visitors can stand beneath that bell and share in the spiritual call that it represents.
The tour continues into St. Elizabeth Chapel, built in loving memory of Mother Katharine's sister. The century-old chapel is the centerpiece of life for the congregation. The outstanding wood-frame enclosure with cloister stalls envelopes the pilgrims as they pray before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. Visitors can see the Blessed Katharine's crypt where a shaft of light spotlights the foundress' final resting place. Surrounding her tomb is the art of Native American, African American and Haitians, the people served by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.