Several weeks ago, my family decided to take an old-fashioned sunday drive-the kind we used to take when we were kids. We've been limited on funds this summer, because my husband was furloughed from his job. Our original intent was to visit some nearby covered-bridges located about 40 miles from our home. But as we drove north on Interstate 65, I suddenly remembered that I wanted to visit The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, located in Hanceville, AL. Also located on the grounds, is Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, famous for being the home of Mother Angelica. Mother Angelica is the feisty, Italian nun famous for starting EWTN, a global Catholic television station. Her station is located in Irondale, AL, about 5 miles east of Birmingham. Several years ago, Mother decided that her nuns should be cloistered and removed from the trappings of the world. She had a vision of the Divine Child Jesus, who told her to build a Temple in his honor. Mother promptly went to work and 5 years later the Shrine was consecrated-built totally through private donations and the providence of God. She and her nuns left the television studio and stepped back in time. Of course, she is still the Foundress of EWTN and she left the studio in very capable hands. The Friars now handle the day-to-day operation of the studio.
Anyway, that's the background info....As we drove through the gates, we also stepped back in time. Except for the cars streaming in for the 5pm Benediction, it seemed like we were in another century. I was disappointed because we weren't in proper attire for Benediction, but we decided to wander around the grounds and enjoy just being in the presence of this beautiful Shrine. The sun was still shining and it wasn't to hot. What I noticed the most, was the silence and the sounds of nature. I could hear the birds chirping and the water flowing through a nearby creek. If we could only be quiet and still long enough, then God could speak to us! Needless to say, we're going back without our summer shorts! I can't believe something this wonderful is so close to my own home and I've never been. Two of my own non-Catholics friends have been to visit the Shrine. One family took a tour and the other family decided to go for Midnight Mass one Christmas. It was simply beautiful, at least on the outside. I hope to enjoy the inside on my next visit. Please enjoy the pictures and visit their website for more details.
http://www.olamshrine.com/
http://www.ewtn.com/
Keep On Dancing!!
Anyway, that's the background info....As we drove through the gates, we also stepped back in time. Except for the cars streaming in for the 5pm Benediction, it seemed like we were in another century. I was disappointed because we weren't in proper attire for Benediction, but we decided to wander around the grounds and enjoy just being in the presence of this beautiful Shrine. The sun was still shining and it wasn't to hot. What I noticed the most, was the silence and the sounds of nature. I could hear the birds chirping and the water flowing through a nearby creek. If we could only be quiet and still long enough, then God could speak to us! Needless to say, we're going back without our summer shorts! I can't believe something this wonderful is so close to my own home and I've never been. Two of my own non-Catholics friends have been to visit the Shrine. One family took a tour and the other family decided to go for Midnight Mass one Christmas. It was simply beautiful, at least on the outside. I hope to enjoy the inside on my next visit. Please enjoy the pictures and visit their website for more details.
http://www.olamshrine.com/
http://www.ewtn.com/
Keep On Dancing!!
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