The shrine is in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belleville, but it is operated by the United States Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

The Shrine name refers to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, where legend says snow fell in the summertime.

[2] The shrine includes a restaurant, a hotel, an apartment complex for retired people,[3] a residence for the Oblates, a visitors and conference center, and a large gift shop.

[6] During the Summer months, people from all over the World gather to worship and pray during the Our Lady of the Snows Healing and Hope Novena.

The Oblates make possible a number of spiritual and family programs for the enrichment of the local community, for the Midwest region, and for North America.