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| Photo by Anne Neborak |
Inside one can come to pray, light a candle, and meditate on the mysteries of faith. Outside the magnificent Basilica is a Rosary Garden, a place to walk the Stations of the Cross. Here you can find solitude escaping the lines of cars filled with tourists on their way to more lines of people waiting to experience the Magic Kingdom, Sea World and Universal Studios.
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| Photo by Anne Neborak |
Before the groundbreaking on Dec. 8, 1984, masses were held in a hotel. With the opening of Magic Kingdom it became apparent that the hotel couldn’t handle the great number of tourists attending mass. Thus the first phrase of the Shrine opened on April 20, 1986. This Basilica is the 63rd minor Basilica in the United States.
During every mass the pews are filled with tourists and the people who live in Orlando. All are welcome through the bronze sculptured doors denoting the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Living Church.
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| Photo by Anne Neborak |
The Basilica is grand in size but you still feel a one to one intimate relationship with God as you sit in the pew.
There is more to explore; a sacred art collection, an interactive museum where you can follow the steps of Christ and the creation of the Catholic Church, and a gift shop.
Sometimes we just need a little time away from the Disney crowds, a place to reflect on how blessed to be in the place where dreams come true and prayers are heard. So the next time you are in Orlando visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. MaryQueenoftheUniverse.org
What places of peace have you discovered on your travels?
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