Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament -- Hanceville, Ala.

(Observer photos/ http://olamshrine.org)

Destination: The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament was the home of Mother Angelica, the founder of the EWTN media ministry, and of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration. The shrine is about an hour away from the EWTN studios.
Masses are offered Mondays at 7 a.m.; Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7 a.m. and noon; and Sundays at 7 and 10 a.m.
Why to go: The shrine church and monastery are modeled on Italian churches of the 13th century, when St. Francis began his evangelism and founded his orders. The shrine’s piazza allows vistors to make a symbolic transition from their hectic day-to-day lives to the silence of prayer and liturgy.
A monstrance, more than 7 feet tall, dominates the main church and makes the Blessed Sacrament visible to vistors in the church and the nuns who live there, but who pray on the other side of the reredos (the decorative altar screen).
The lower crypt chapel houses crypts of deceased Poor Clare nuns. Visitors are welcome to pray there.
Another stop: If you plan to visit the shrine, the EWTN studios are also open. You can tour the facilities or sit in on show tapings. The EWTN grounds are also home to the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word (MFVA) Friary.
You can arrange pilgrimages for groups or individuals at either place by emailing pilgrimages@ewtn.com or phoning, 205/271-2966.
Amenities: The El Niño Gift Shop at the shrine is open Monday through Saturday, 8:15 a.m-4:45 p.m. (The Religious Catalogue Shoppe at EWTN is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.)
(Grand) Kid friendly: The whole family is welcome, but everyone is asked to be silent in the main church and lower crypt church. Comfortable dress is fine, but sleeveless tops, tank tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee are discouraged. Women may wear slacks or jeans. Visitors are asked not to leave Mass in the main church until exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the nuns have finished singing. Taking photos is also prohibited in the churches.
Info: Address —  Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 3222 County Road 548, Hanceville, AL 35077  Phone — 205/271-2917 Website — http://olamshrine.org
— CNS; Sharon Boehlefeld contributed to this story.
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