In 1995, while travelling to Colombia to seek assistance for EWTN’s Spanish programs, Mother Angelica attended Mass at the Sanctuary of the Divine Child Jesus in Bogotá and was inspired to build a shrine honoring the Real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Five anonymous benefactors contributed to the purchase of a former soybean farm located in Hanceville, Alabama, and to construction costs and materials. The monastery was consecrated in December 1999.
Description
The exterior is characteristic Romanesque, but incorporates pointed arches and other Gothic elements. Mother Angelica sought to model the Shrine on 13th century Italian architecture, with its piazza or plaza square, colonnade, esplanade and various cosmatesque designs. She also wanted the building to reflect materials from all over world. The ceramic tile came from South America. The bronze doors depicting the Seven Joys and Seven Sorrows of Mary were designed and crafted in Spain. The floors, columns, and pillars are made of marble. The rare red Jasper marble is from Turkey. The wood for the pews, doors, and confessionals is cedar imported from Paraguay. Spanish workers came to build the doors. The stained glass windows were imported from Munich, Germany. The stations of the Cross inside are hand-carved. A statue of El Divino Niño is featured prominently one on the side altars of the Shrine, as well as a large statue of the Child Jesus, holding a heart at His palm, stands at the plaza square. On the liturgical feast day of Divine Child Jesus, balloons are customarily tied to his wrist for this feast. The Shrine consists of a Cloistered Monastery, Upper and Lower church, near life sized Nativity scene, Lourdes Grotto, Castle which houses the gift shop and conference rooms, and John Paul II Eucharistic Center. During construction, a storm struck the area, causing the church cross to be damaged. Initially, Mother Angelica wanted to repair it. Later on, Mother Angelica associated the cross with the Tau cross. The damaged remains of the top part of the cross are on display in the St. Joseph Courtyard. Another notable statue in the Shrine depicts a scourged Jesus Christ, symbolic of his pain and suffering at the cross.
Decorum code and photography rules
The Nuns of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery keep 24-hour Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. A dress code is enforced in the shrine, banning overly revealing clothing, including mini-skirts, shorts, tank tops, or sleeveless shirts. No photography is permitted in the main or lower parts of the church. Speaking in the main part of the church is also prohibited.
Pilgrimages
People from all over the world make pilgrimages to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Pilgrimages consist of individuals or groups. Groups of ten or more can contact the Pilgrimages Department to set up activities during their stay such as Spiritual Talks, Healing Services, or tours. The Shrine is open 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday to Saturday, and Sunday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. The Gift Shop is open 8:00 AM-4:45PM Monday-Saturday and closed on Sunday.
