The architecture is 13th Century. Mother Angelica wanted the marble, gold, and cedar for the temple that God commanded David to build him in the Bible. The ceramic tile came from South America, the stones from Canada, and the bronze from Madrid, Spain. The floors, columns, and pillars are made of marble. There is a rare red Jasper marble from Turkey that was used for the red crosses in the floor of the temple. The wood for the pews, doors, and confessionals were from cedar imported from Paraguay. Spanish workers can to build the doors. The stain glass windows were imported from Munich, Germany. The Statutes of the Stations of the Cross were hand-carved.
One of the most striking parts of the temple is the gold leaf wall. There is an eight foot stand with gold plated at top for the consecrated host. Two nuns pray in 1 to 1 1/2 hour shifts 24 hours a day behind the gold leaf wall in the temple. The cloistered nuns purpose is to pray and worship Jesus. They pray for those who don't pray for themselves. The nuns stay focused on silence, solitude and prayer. There is a prayer request box at the receptionist's desk and many requests are taken over the phone.
Five donors paid for the property, all the construction costs, and materials. They were already supporters of Mother Angelica and wish to remain anonymous. Mother Angelica shares that we spend fortunes on amusement parks, shopping centers, and casinos and the White House. She feels that God deserves the same quality and the best House of Prayer. There is a dress code at the monastery--no shorts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, or mini-skirts. There are to be no pictures taken inside the shrine or any talking in the shrine. I thought I would find this directive hard to follow. However, I was so overwhelmed with the awe and beauty of the shrine and the holiness, that I couldn't have spoken if I'd wanted to.
On top of the monastery stands a cross. It was destroyed during a storm a few years ago. At first, the workers thought that it was hit by lightning. After inquiring with the weather people, they discovered that their had been no lightning or wind in that area. The top part of the cross had been cut off with a clean cut, leaving the shape of a "T." There was talk of replacing the cross. Mother Angelica found out that this "T" was the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It also stood for "God Among Us." In Ezekiel 9, this letter is a sign of favor and protection. This "T" or "tau" cross was a sign of St. Francis in the 13th Century and reflects the period of architecture of the monastery. Mother Angelica chose to leave the cross as it is and looks at it as a sign from God.
The shrine is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for prayer and adoration. The public is invited to attend the Nuns' Conventual Mass at 7:00 a.m. daily. Following Mass each day, confession are heard. For Mass times on special Feast Days, call 256-352-6267. Pilgrimages are available for groups of 10 or more. Eugenie Breaux is the Director of Pilgrimages and can be contacted at 205-795-5717 or pilgrimages@olamshrine.com.
The gift shop is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For information, call 256-352-0358. I found this to be a very rewarding and awe-inspiring trip. Be sure to allow enough time to tour and then sit in the shrine and just pray and contemplate (all day if you like!), in this splendid temple.
Photos of Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
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