On June 2, 2019, the community of Chinle, AZ came together to celebrate the rededication of the historic Annunciation Church as a Shrine Chapel. This joyful event was very meaningful for both the Chinle and Franciscan communities. Franciscan Friars have been a part of the Chinle community since 1902. Annunciation Church, originally built around 1910, had not been used since the 1950s. Although the building was in need of major restoration, the community was committed to working together for its renovation.

Fr. Blane Grein, OFM of St. John the Baptist Province, and Dr. Charlotte Frisbee, a retired anthropology professor of Southern Illinois University, were some of the dedicated individuals who made the rededication possible. They celebrated with Fr. Jack Clark Robinson, Provincial Minister, Bishop James S. Wall of the Diocese of Gallup, and Fr. PJ Pabatao, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima.