No image can capture the beauty of this Shrine. In fact, no heart can either. This is a must see for all people of faith.
The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery is an awesome sanctuary in the rolling hills of Hanceville, Alabama (Diocese of Birmingham). Constructed in the creative footprint of the 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the Shrine has become one of the most important pilgrimage centers to visit in the US for both individuals and groups. The Shrine houses the cloistered Monastery of the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration, the same order of Mother Angelica that has been affiliated with EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network. While the Shrine is named in honor of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the building surroundings are dedicated to the Divino Niño, a Spanish title of the Divine Child Jesus.
Engraved in 4 languages on the steps leading up to the monument is a message of hope for all who pass by: “…and a little Child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6).
Spanish title of the Divine Child Jesus
The reliefs on the doors, 21 in number, provide 14 meditations on the life of Our Lady. Pilgrims unite their joys and sorrows with the 7 joys and 7 sorrows of Mary. The two sets of center doors are an invitation to enter into the mysteries of the life of Christ. The Latin inscriptions above the central doors read: Virgo Septem Laetitiarum Filius Eius Pro Nobis Natus Est (Virgin of the Seven Joys, Your Son Was Born for Us”). And Virgo Septem Dolorum Filius Eius Pro Nobis Mortuus Est (“Virgin of the 7 Sorrows, Your Son Died for Us”).
‘O come let us adore Him…Christ the Lord.”
The main church and altar is breathtaking and awe-inspiring. Behind this altar the Sisters sing the prayers, adore the Lord and celebrate Mass.
Kneeling prostrate before the majesty of our Lord, I could not help but to cry in joy.
We celebrated Holy Mass in the lower church. A magnificently beautiful ‘chapel.’ PS- for you tradition lovers, Mass was celebrated Ad Orientum and Communion given at a Communion rail.
Some of the artwork with is shown below.
He is the Beginning and the End of our life, and faith. Jesus – the Holy Eucharist. We’ve never seen such a beautifully incredible statue depicting our Lord’s Eucharistic Heart. He IS the source and summit of our faith. He IS the source and summit of all life.
We were told the foot of Jesus on the cross seeps oil and smells like roses. We did go back to witness this. It is true. Beautiful miracle.
