Page 4 - Bernardon Proposal-National Shrine of Mary

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Project Understanding

The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church At this time, you are looking to engage Bernardon
was dedicated on August 15, 1988. The Shrine re- and our parent firm Core States to dream with
ceived the 16 designation as a National Shrine you in this new exploration, to establish a master
th
in the United States, a sacred place to which the plan for growth and improvements on the Shrine
faithful make pilgrimage for a special reason of grounds, and to become a trusted partner with
piety. Over thirty-four years later, thousands of you for years to come. You have communicated
pilgrims from the United States and foreign coun- numerous pilgrim “moments” for the future of the
tries have visited the Shrine that honors mothers Mothers’ Shrine. Many of these moments exist to-
of all denominations. day, but they require a beautiful and thoughtful
approach to the organization to improve flow, to
The Shrine hosts various programs such as sea- improve accessibility, and to improve the overall
sonal outdoor masses for visitors to the Lake of experience of the pilgrims.
the Ozarks, pilgrimages, retreats, and Marian con-
ferences. Thirty-four years of continued opera- You have identified specific priorities for the near
tion have led to a renewed strategy for maintain- term and future improvements at the Mothers’
ing and expanding the sacred moments that exist Shrine. Although the priority is to construct the
or have the potential to exist on the native land. Votive Candle Shrine and relocate the Restroom
Pavilion, it is important for us to reimagine the en-
The Mothers’ Shrine is located on a 56-acre prop- tire grounds to reflect and reinforce the flow and
erty owned by the Diocese of Jefferson City, and serenity that is desired. Furthermore, we will
the property is shared by St. Patrick Catholic need be mindful of the placement of all proposed
Church. In 2021, the Diocese, Church, and Shrine pilgrim moments to avoid interference with the
embarked on a master planning effort to ana- subsequent planned phases of work on site.
lyze current and future needs of the Church and
Shrine. The Master Plan Report, dated October We understand the Mothers’ Shrine conceptual
8, 2021, provides a great summary of the existing plan program to include the following:
conditions of the grounds and buildings, and it is
a great planning tool for the expansion of St. Pat- ■ Votive Candle Shrine
rick’s Catholic Church. Unfortunately, the vision- ■ Restroom Pavilion
ing of the Shrine grounds was not as successful ■ Temporary Office and Gift Shop
in reinforcing the flow and spiritual enrichment ■ Fountain improvements to incorporate
that the Mothers’ Shrine leadership dreams to im- temperature control for off-season
prove. operation

BERNARDON | Response to Request for Proposal for Design Services
National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church | August 11, 2022 Page 4