Summary
Introduction
Just over an hour from Huntsville in Hanceville, Alabama near Cullman, you can witness a magnificent shrine with an unusual story. The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery is located in a serene environment. The story of how this shrine came to be is remarkable. A friend, who had experienced various shrines in Europe, remarked, “You don’t need to go to Europe. This shrine is more magnificent than anything there.”
History of the Monastery
Initially, as a Protestant, my expectations varied from those of my Catholic friends. However, I was quickly overwhelmed by the grandeur of the place. Initially, I perceived the monastery as just another tourist spot and was disappointed about the photography restrictions. But by the end of my visit, I realized that the beauty of the shrine could not be captured through photos alone—it is a place meant to be felt and experienced firsthand.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed into a conference room where Brother Matthew, one of the six “brothers” residing in the two-story structure within the monastery gates, provided an informative overview of the monastery. The brothers support the sisters and Mother Angelica with manual labor tasks, including landscaping and construction.
The sisters began their journey in the monastery in December 1999 after relocating from Irondale, Alabama. Currently, there are 32 nuns within the Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, with ages ranging from 20 to 70 years.
Architecture of the Shrine
The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament is part of a cloistered community, where the sisters live according to vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Their primary focus is the perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Our Lady of the Angels Monastery regularly receives numerous inquiries regarding vocations, demonstrating its active role in spiritual guidance. The monastery can accommodate up to 42 nuns.
Special permission is required from the Pope for the cloistered nuns to travel. Mother Angelica had such permission during a visit to Bogotá, Colombia, where she experienced a profound moment that led her to establish this shrine. A vision prompted her to “Build me a temple and I will help those who help you.”
With this inspiration, Mother Angelica searched for land in Alabama and discovered over 300 acres owned by a non-Catholic family willing to sell the land for a sacred purpose. The construction took five years, and labor was predominantly provided by a non-Catholic workforce.
The architecture reflects the 13th Century design that Mother Angelica envisioned, using marble, gold, and cedar as described in Biblical texts. The materials used were sourced globally, including ceramic tiles from South America and stained glass from Munich, Germany. Each element of the shrine exemplifies a dedication to excellence and detail.
Perhaps the most stunning feature is the gold leaf wall, where nuns engage in prayerful worship behind a magnificent display. Their commitment to prayer includes specific hours dedicated to interceding for others, emphasizing the sanctuary’s purpose as a House of Prayer.
Life of Mother Angelica
The architect behind this sacred space is Mother Angelica, who founded the EWTN Global Catholic Network. Born Rita Antoinette Rizzo in 1923, Mother Angelica faced various life challenges, including poverty and illness. Despite her struggles, she found solace and strength in her faith.
After experiencing miraculous healing and a clear calling to serve as a nun, she entered the contemplative order and dedicated her life to God’s mission. Over time, she expanded her efforts to include the establishment of chapels and a television network that provided spiritual guidance worldwide.
Visiting the Shrine
The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament is open daily for prayer and adoration, inviting the public to attend the Nuns’ Conventual Mass at 7:00 a.m. each day, followed by confession opportunities. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to arrange pilgrimages. The on-site gift shop operates Monday through Saturday, offering visitors items to remember their experience.
This visit to the shrine is undoubtedly a rewarding and awe-inspiring experience. It is essential to allocate ample time to explore the beautiful surroundings, engage in meditation, and immerse oneself in prayer within this splendid temple.
