Holy Family Shrine

(Originally written on February 21, 2009)

I was bitten by the adventure bug today, and by the afternoon I found myself at the Holy Family Shrine, located near Gretna, NE. The shrine itself is quite visible from Interstate 80. What I did not know prior to visiting this place is that there is a welcome center built into the hillside next to the chapel itself.

After wandering about and snapping pictures, I was back in the welcome center. Overhearing a conversation, I heard a woman who is a professional Celtic singer ask to sing a couple songs in the chapel. She sang a couple songs there, and I was totally amazed by the way the sound of her voice echoed throughout the space. Almost angelic, the sound seemed to open a door to the imagination, leading to another time and place.

What struck me the most about this place is that, though it's primarily a Catholic chapel, it's open to all visitors regardless of their faith or lack thereof. It's wonderfully peaceful, despite being barely a mile from the interstate. Every visitor is welcome to come and absorb the beauty of the surroundings, to meditate, to rest.

My most profound moment of the visit, was when I followed the singer and the small audience out to the chapel. The hostess of the welcome center, a devout Catholic, entered the building, paused and knelt and performed the sign of the cross before continuing into the chapel. I was brought back to a sense of reverence for God through seeing that. Here I had spent the first half hour casually wandering the grounds, snapping pictures. But in that moment I was reminded that I am at a Holy place, a place of worship. I initially felt a bit of guilt for not being more aware of where I was, but in the end I was filled with peace and a sense of renewal.

Though my visit lasted less than two hours, I came away from the experience filled with a sense of wonder for the architecture of this beautiful place, as well as a renewed reverence for God. It was so refreshing just to get away for a short time, to explore a new place, and revel in the thrill of discovery both emotionally and spiritually. I do plan to return to the chapel, and cannot wait to see this place when the weather is warmer and the plants will be greener. I definitely recommend visiting this place.

Jordan