Slumping economy leads to layoffs at Shrine; 'It was an economic decision'

BELLEVILLE -- Twenty-two employees were let go from the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows last week.

General Manager Chris Diel said the cuts were made July 1 throughout the Shrine's visitor services, including the restaurant, hotel and gift shop.

"It was employees from various areas in the Shrine," Diel said. "It was an economic decision. Economic action was taken in order to save the budget."

Diel said 200 are still employed at the Shrine, located off Illinois 15 along the bluff in Belleville. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate operates the 200-acre area for religious services, events, banquets and hospitality.

Jo Kathmann, executive director of the Tourism Bureau Southwestern Illinois, said that other local hotels and tourist attractions are still attracting visitors but are having to cut back on donations, which affects the Shrine.

"The Shrine is different from other secular attractions," Kathmann said. "They depend on charity donations and with the downturn, people are having to watch what they're spending their money on."

Diel said the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate employs more than 1,000 people across the country.

More than one million people visit the Shrine each year.