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

Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart -- Charleston, W.V.

Destination: With a parish history dating back to the late 1700’s, the Basilica Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart began as a parish serving 63 families in 1866. Mass was celebrated at various locations for several years until the first church was built in 1869. On Christmas in 1897, the first Mass was offered in the present church.
Mass times are Sunday: 8 a.m., 10 a.m. (Solemn Mass), 12 noon, 5 p.m.; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 8 a.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 12 noon; Wednesday: 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 5:30 p.m.
Photos: The Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (above) and a detail of its Annunciation statue (below) ((Observer photos/ sacredheartcocathedral.com). 
Why to go: On June 20, 2010, Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston celebrated a Mass for the investiture of Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral Church as a Minor Basilica. In honor of the 150th anniversary of the parish’s founding, the diocese began extensive renovations of the basilica.
Among improvements were a new altar and ambo, as well as new flooring, new steps to the high altar and other interior upgrades.
The basilica is also a pilgrimage site for the diocesan Shrine of the Santo Niño, and the Annunciation and Tree of Life gardens.

In 2007 Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral commissioned artist John Collier to design and create bronze statues of the Annunciation and the Tree of Life with the Crucified Christ. In 2008 the  statues were installed in the gardens in front of the church.
(Grand) Kid friendly: The basilica is an active parish with a school, so kids are always welcome.
Info: Address — Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1114 Virginia St. East, Charleston, WV 25301
 Phone — 304/342-8175
Website — http://sacredheartcocathedral.com/
—  Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story.
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org