Shrine of The Most Blessed Sacrament — Attraction in Alabama

Ok. I didn't know this shrine existed. On a road trip with my better half, leaving Cullman, we saw understated signs pointing the way and decided to visit. It's a long road towards the shrine and I was beginning to think I was in a Stephen King-esque small town, a visit to which I would not survive. As we drove further and further from the main roads I became more and more convinced I was doomed. How wrong I was. That road lead us to one of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen. A castle dedicated to St Michael greets you, complete with halls dedicated to Sts Gabriel and Raphaël (no Uriel?? Give him something, please, to satisfy the Qabalist in me!). Suits of armor inside are incredibly evocative of Michael's presence. A wide and spectacular courtyard spreads out between the castle and the church, the architecture immediately calling to mind medieval Spain. A small chapel to the right (when facing the church) is worth a visit as well. The interior of the church is one of the most stunning I have ever seen, rivaled only by Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal. Unfortunately I snapped a picture of the interior, not realizing until I left that photography was not allowed indoors. Apologies! The Shrine is peaceful, beautiful, and certainly the result of a deep love and faith in the Divine. It's worth a visit, even if it is off the beaten track--the isolated location only adds to the sanctity of the place....

Driving up to the Shrine is very tranquil. Once you park you realize you are walking on holy ground and feel the reverence. The Piazza is magnificent.

The gift shop is closed Sunday so we didn't get to go inside. Someone in our group had been here before and said one cold spend hours there.

We visited the Shroud of Turin Exhibit and the crypt before entering the main church. The nuns were saying the rosary on the other side of the alter and could not be seen, only heard. They sounded like angels.

We had stayed in Cullman for a Cursillo Regional Encounter at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. (Which is beautiful).

A friend from the conference attended a pilgrimage at the Shrine. We went for the...

Pretty and peaceful cathedral. Interesting presentations such as the shroud of turin exhibit. Great architecture and grounds keeping. Overall, pleasant staff and experience. They make an effort to speak to you just as brother Leo did. He was nice and also told me about Brother Joesph at Ava Maria Grotto (down the exit). I like that the church emphasizes being open to all from anywhere, place or religion. Although, this location is far more commercialized (within its gift shop) than the cathedrals I visited in Europe which is something I couldn't help but notice. In conclusion, it is very well kept and a nice spot I feel comfortable to stop by if I needed a place to rest on a long trip or wanted to...