A Pilgrimage in Alabama

From a purely Catholic perspective, there were so many places I wanted to visit while in Alabama. Tops on my bucket list would have taken more than a day. Time we did not have.

Since I was a young girl, I have been a fan of Mother Angelica. She was one hell of a spitfire nun. She founded the EWTN Studios in 1981. Alabama became the first place ever to broadcast an all-Catholic television network.

In addition to a studio tour, there are chapels for adoration, various daily Mass schedules, and the taping of television shows, depending upon the time of your visit. Nearby is the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, a recognized pilgrimage site.

Since our time was limited, we chose to visit the Ava Maria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama. The Grotto is a 4-acre park in what was once an old quarry on the grounds of Saint Bernard Abbey. The miniature stone and concrete models are all the works of Brother Joseph Zoe, a Benedictine Monk who devoted 50 years of his life to this endevor. During the final 30 years, he worked almost without interruption. His creations were made with discarded building supplies; bricks, marbles, tiles, sea shells, toilet bowl floats and cold cream jars. What sounds like junk were fashioned into truly moving works of art.

In miniature form are places from the Bible, historical events of religious significance, and recognized places of pilgrimage for the faithful. It was Brother Zoe’s desire that all these places of importance could be visited at a single location, making it possible for those without means to appreciate all that the Lord had created out there. Enjoy.

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May the Lord be with you always. May angels walk beside you, and Mother Mary watch over you.