Stations of the Cross at the Cloisters on the Platte -- Gretna, Neb.

Destination: During Lent, the Stations of the Cross guide us through Jesus’ Passion and death. At the Cloisters on the Platte, the Stations come to life in life-sized bronze statues by many artists, placed over a 2,500-foot-long walking path — the same distance as the Jesus traveled from His sentencing to His crucifixion, known as the Via Dolorosa, or the Sorrowful Way.

Grounds hours are Mondays-Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Sundays, 2-5 p.m. 

Photos: Top — Simon of Cyrene is compelled to bear Jesus’ cross as his wife protests in anguish. A virtual tour and reflection on the bronze life-size Stations is available on the Cloisters on the Platte website. (Photos/ The Cloisters on the Platte)

Bottom — Veronica wipes Jesus’ face. 

Why to go: The Cloisters on the Platte includes more than the Stations of the Cross; it’s a quiet retreat center that holds men’s and women’s weekend retreats every few weeks. It was founded by billionaire Joe Ricketts after he attended a silent retreat, where he rediscovered his faith and values in an experience he called life-changing. 

Retreats are free for participants and are in high demand; retreats into early next year are filled. But the Stations are open when retreats are not in session. 

Admission: Visitors are encouraged to make donations of $10 or more; they will receive a complementary audio tour of the Stations. Parking is available in the lot across from the main gate and visitors can use the Cloisters’ shuttle service throughout the day. 

Accessibility: The Stations are wheelchair-accessible, and visitors may use manual and electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and mobility aids such as crutches. Landscaping stones are placed along the trail for rest spots during the walk. Clearly-marked service animals are allowed, but not pets. There are no outdoor restrooms and no trams or golf carts for tours.  

(Grand) Kid friendly: You may encourage little ones to walk quietly, though the Stations are closed during silent retreats. But they can benefit from the prayerful experience, whether during an in-person tour or online at https://cloistersontheplatte.com/visit-the-stations/virtual-tour/. 

Info: Address — Cloisters on the Platte, 23332 Fishery Rd., Gretna, Neb.  

Phone — 402-509-6250 

Website — https://cloistersontheplatte.com/

—Megan Peterson compiled this story. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Shrine of Our Lady of the Island -- Manorville, N.Y.

 (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

Destination: Missionaries of the Company of Mary, who were founded by St. Louis de Montfort in 1705, established the shrine in the 1950s to encourage Marian devotion and to renew Catholic spirituality in the Diocese of Rockville Center. Now the shrine is open to all. Its statue of Our Lady and the Child (above) is atop the Rock is just one of many outdoor sculptures.
Masses are offered daily at 11:30 a.m. at the shrine. Starting in late April, Sunday Mass is offered outside at the Rock, one of the highest points on Long Island. A holy hour begins at 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Why to go: The shrine features outdoor walks for both the rosary and the stations of the cross, as well as an “Avenue of the Saints.” There are also several other statues on the grounds and the shrine to Our Lady, which has nearby parking.
Special events: The shrine is active with retreats, pilgrimages, prayer and other group meetings. But special events in the near future include:
> Dec. 11, after 11:30 a.m. Mass, a dramatization of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s meeting with St. Juan Diego
> Dec. 12,  4:30 p.m., Antorcha Guadalupana with a procession, traditional dances and Spanish Mass
> Dec. 18, 2 p.m., Songs of the Season with a handbell choir.
Throughout Advent, the shrine hosts Carols and Cocoa in the coffee shop after Sunday Mass for a sing-along with others.
More activities are listed on the shrine website.
Amenities: On the grounds, there are a gift shop featuring religious items from around the world, a coffee shop and reception area, all open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The shrine grounds are open from sunrise to sunset daily, although the buildings are closed except for Mass a few days of the year. Check the calendar on the website before planning your trip.
(Grand) Kid friendly: There is a pavilion for picnicking in nice weather, making it a good place to stop on a road trip.
Info: Address — Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, 258 Eastport Manor Road, Manorville, NY 11949 n Phone — 631/325-0661 n Website — www.ourladyoftheisland.com
— Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld

Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org