Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Schoenstatt Shrine near Crete, known as the Heart of Mary, is among nine sites in the Diocese of Lincoln designated by Bishop Conley for the 2025 Jubilee Year. Pilgrims visiting these locations can obtain plenary indulgences, provided they meet other requirements outlined by the Holy See.

Bishop Conley had issued a decree at the end of 2024, naming various shrines across the diocese as special pilgrimage sites. "The Jubilee Indulgence can be received by a pilgrimage or pious visit to any of the following sanctuaries within the Diocese of Lincoln," he stated. The designated sites include Cor Mariae; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in North Platte; Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Arapahoe; St. Mary Parish in Orleans; Assumption Parish in Dwight; Cathedral of the Risen Christ and Pink Sisters Chapel in Lincoln; St. Anthony Parish in Steinauer; and St. Benedict Parish in Nebraska City.

Additionally, a decree from the Apostolic Penitentiary detailed further conditions for obtaining an indulgence during this Holy Year: "[All] who are truly repentant and free from any affection for sin, who are moved by a spirit of charity and who, during the Holy Year, purified through the sacrament of penance and refreshed by Holy Communion, pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff, will be able to obtain from the treasury of the Church a plenary indulgence, with remission and forgiveness of all their sins." This indulgence may also be offered for souls in purgatory.

Located at 340 Highway 103 in Crete, Cor Mariae is one among over 200 Schoenstatt shrines worldwide that replicate an original shrine built on historical grounds dating back to 1143 in Schoenstatt, Germany.

The Schoenstatt movement was founded by Father Joseph Kentenich in 1914 with devotion centered on the Blessed Virgin and a Covenant of Love with her.

Sister Marie Dey played a significant role in establishing Nebraska's Schoenstatt Movement beginning in 1993. She garnered support within Lincoln's families before organizing pilgrimages to another shrine location. In 1999 Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz donated land near Crete where construction began on what would become Cor Mariae chapel completed eight years later thanks largely due donations from close friends committed covering building costs entirely inside out according Sister Marie: “There was couple good friends Bishop Bruskewitz offered pay entire building exteriorly interiorly,” she noted adding “So pure gift really blessed.”

Kevin Pynes reflected positively upon childhood experiences participating Marian boys’ group remarking: “Schoenstatt means ‘beautiful place,’ it really is...real focus beauty affects spiritual life.”

Since its completion nearly two decades ago now serving peaceful refuge Diocese visitors like Thomas Jacobs proposed fiancée here saying often feels alone presence Mary Jesus amidst small intimate setting allowing freedom introspection relaxation amidst summer months operating daily hours between morning evening respectively