Many people look for history and beauty in faraway places and often miss the gems in their own backyards.
The new, award-winning documentary Adored and Glorified reminds viewers that the old St. Mary Church on Wolf Road in Mokena is just such a gem.
Produced by parishioner Frank Grobmeier and his Studio 1864 production company, the short film invites people to attend Eucharistic Adoration at the old church. It does so by not only sharing the building’s rich history but, more importantly, by conveying the spiritual experiences of those who pray there.
“The goal is to tell the story and inspire people to do Eucharistic adoration, to go to that chapel,” explains Grobmeier.
Inspiration
Once a corporate film producer, Grobmeier felt inspired to use his skills for God after attending Eucharistic Adoration at the old St. Mary Church and getting involved in the parish.
“I remember thinking that I have this experience; I have the production equipment; I have the knowledge. Let me apply it toward God and try to educate and evangelize,” he recalls.
Grobmeier zeroed in on the old church thanks to its unique history and significance. “This church was built before the Statue of Liberty. It was built before the Eiffel Tower. I mean, it was built before the Chicago Fire. It’s older than Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, and it’s in our own backyard,” he notes.
“It’s living history because it’s not just a museum or a monument. It’s actually being used for parishioners to come and worship.”
After attending Adoration at the old church one night and seeing a lack of other adorers, Grobmeier knew he wanted to do his part to draw more people closer to God through the Blessed Sacrament.
From Concept to Reality
With this mission in mind, Grobmeier and his crew set out to tell the story. The film relies on touching testimonials from St. Mary priests, deacons, and parishioners on the meaning of Eucharistic Adoration and the immense mental and spiritual benefits it provides.
One parishioner testimonial summarizes the film’s entire purpose: “Just come through the door and Jesus will do the rest.”
Beyond these moving anecdotes, the film features local historian Matt Galick, author of Mokena (Images of America). Galick overviews the church’s history, from its founding in 1864, to its near demolition in the 1970s and beyond.
The final product beautifully weaves these messages with emotive music and visuals to make the strongest case possible for walking through those church doors.
A Powerful Premiere
The short film has already won a 2025 Communicator Award and, even more impressively, a Bronze Telly Award, which resulted from an internationally-renowned competition that receives submissions from around the world.
“We’re incredibly blessed and honored to win these awards,” beams Grobmeier. “To me, that just says that our story resonates with people, and it encourages me to do more.”
St. Mary premiered Adored and Glorified on Ascension Sunday before a packed parish hall. “Our heartfelt congratulations go out to the talented filmmakers who poured their hearts and souls into this extraordinary project,” writes Fr. Dindo Billote, pastor of St. Mary.
“The Holy Spirit is truly at work, inspiring us to spread the message of Eucharistic Adoration and evangelize the world through this remarkable film.”
The St. Mary Adoration chapel is open for prayer 24/7 via a keycode that can be obtained by calling the parish office at (708) 326-9300.
Top Featured Image: Fr. Sam Conforti and filmmaker Frank Grobmeier pose for a photo at the premiere of Adored and Glorified.
The Mokena Marian 