Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament

The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament is certainly off the beaten path. In fact, during one of my visits there, we literally took what appeared to be a goat-​path to get there.
The ambiance of the place hits you as soon as the white picket fence begins. That’s where the property starts. As you drive along the route, you wait in anticipation to catch site of the Shrine, and when you first see it, you think to yourself, «Am I in Italy?» for the Shrine looks very much like the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy.
There’s a lot to see here. The financing of the construction of this place was done by a number of private donors. Inside, you’ll find stunning artwork, marble, gold, and one of the largest monstrances you’ll ever see. Be sure to go downstairs to see the lower Church and the life-​sized Shroud of Turin, and check out the medieval castle-​like gift shop across the piazza, and the large Nativity scene. Give yourself plenty of time to see it all. You don’t want to rush the visit.
Mother Angelica’s convent is also located here, and if you ask, you can visit with some of the cloistered nuns in one of the parlor rooms.
The Shrine is a stunning example of a modern-​built Church that was done right architecturally, artistically, and theologically.

Amazing place. Very spiritual. The main Church is jaw-​dropping in its beauty. I wish we could have spent more time of the grounds. We took the tour of the JP II Center, but it was kind of a waste of time given the short time we had. It was a hour we could have spent on the rest of the sites.

Unbelievably serene. It was amazing. I was the only person there & was so tranquil & spiritual.
We go so fast during the day & miss so much. So glad I decided to detour here.
Was a wonderful spiritual recharge & reminder to do it more often.
It is welcome to all faith’s & a definite must see if nearby.

If you want to get away and closer to spirituality, this is the place to visit. It’s secluded, but worth the drive. You go through narrow country roads, the last part of the drive surrounds you with white fences for the horses. You get to the shrine and it reminds me of a Mission in California, but prettier. The San Miguel Fort has knights’ armors, artifacts, and an ample gift shop. Next to it, a small building has the most beautiful Nativity scene. The courtyard is expansive, but the church is definitely the highlight. Wear appropriate attire (no shorts or revealing clothing). Several parishioners wear mantillas. The stained glass windows, the gold details, the tile work, the full size statue of Mary and crucifix; before Mass, the nuns singing made me feel that this is what Heaven must feel like. As for the Mass itself, the procession, pomp and circumstance was crisp. The mass was said in LATIN, and the Communion was served in front of the altar while you knelt before it. You cannot take photographs in the church, but the beauty must be experienced in person. Didn’t see any hotels in the vicinity, but seems a lot of places rent out houses for pilgrimages and events. I’ll definitely come back.

At a price of $ 50 million, this church is a marvel. The grounds are huge-​400 acres. The upper church and lower church, with its shroud of turin, are gold and marble and spectacular. The life size crèche carved in the mountainside is beautiful. The castle has original artifacts, knights, knight door knobs, etc. The Lourdes grotto is lovely. Monks in their brown frocks can be seen praying.
HINT: even though this is about 15 miles off I-​65, it is worth a visit. It is like a 13 century European structure replicated in the 20^th century. How cool is that?