Holy Family Shrine 2

This is the view as I approached the Holy Family Shrine from the visitor's center. It was really an eye catcher. Actually, as I mentioned in my last posting, I had to really hunt for the road that would lead me to the chapel. I could see the building and the crucifix from the highway, but it became almost elusive when the hunt began. Initially, I wondered why such a location was selected for the structure. Why not place the building in a more secluded and private setting? Yet, after incubating on the placement, I came to the conclusion that more lives are touched by a highway chapel than by one that is hidden. It is like the verses:

"No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light."

Luke 8:16

and

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16

In seeing the arms of Christ outstretched towards the travelers on highway 80, I was moved by the idea that He was exuding traveling mercies on His children. The walls of glass caught my attention, but the watchful body of Christ took my breath away.

The visitor's center was welcoming and intriguing. A shallow pool of water sat in the center of the room. An abstract metal sculpture hung above the pool. After questioning the docent, it became clear that the swooping pieces of hard copper had motion. This movement was the shroud of Christ falling from the cross. The bottom tip released single drops of water into the pool resting below.

Leading away from the pool, in the direction of the chapel, was a rectangular path carved out of the stone floor. Inperceptible to the viewer, the floor descended in the direction of the chapel and the path of water traveled along the carved paths past the double glass doors, down the manicured walkway and into the shrine. On either side of the aisle were the expected pews, but the floor revealed intermittent holes under each pew that exposed the water still flowing to the altar. Ultimately, the water collected into a pool under the altar. This entire journey reflected the pilgrim's baptism and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. All of the senses were engaged. Sitting in the chapel, seeing the liquid of life trickle past my feet, hearing the water fall into the pool and observing the blue sky through the etched window made the Savior feel real in a new way.

http://www.holyfamilyshrineproject.com/index.php