Things to Do

at the SHRINE OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

TOURS

Shrine Tour

Tour includes Castle San Miguel, Creche (Nativity Scene), Main Church, Shroud of Turin, Lower Church. Tours are available Wednesday-Saturday at 10:30am.

John Paul II Eucharistic Center Tour

Experience an interactive encounter with the Teachings of the Church on the unfathomable gift that is the Eucharist. Tours are available Wednesday-Saturday at 2pm.

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Devotional Areas & Exhibits

Piazza

Reminiscent of the Piazzas found in Europe, this vast Piazza, or square, can hold up to 30,000 people. Every pilgrim who enters the Shrine must first pass by a statue of the Child Jesus, welcoming you and offering His heart on fire with love of you!

Stations of the Cross

Along the right side of the Piazza are the Fourteen Stations of the Cross where pilgrims can walk and meditate on Our Lord Jesus' walk to Calvary. The Stations lead to a larger than life size crucifix depicting the graphic suffering that Our Lord endured during His passion.

Main Church

Upon entering the Temple, pilgrims are awestruck by the radiant beauty of the monstrance and the awesome majesty of His Eucharistic Presence. The Sacred Host which we adore is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus, consecrated during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Out of respect of Our Eucharistic Lord, silence should be maintained at all times and photography is not allowed. Clothing must be suitable to a holy place. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Temporary attire is available at the Reception desk if needed.

Lower Church

Noon Masses and Eucharistic Healing Services are held in the Lower Crypt Church so as not to disturb the Nuns' Prayer schedule.

Out of respect of Our Eucharistic Lord, silence should be maintained at all times and photography is not allowed. Clothing must be suitable to a holy place. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Temporary attire is available at the Reception desk if needed.

Mother Angelica's Tomb

At the rear of the Lower Church, the deceased Nuns of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, including Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, have been laid to rest. Come and give thanks to God for these beautiful souls who gave their entire lives for love of Jesus.

Shroud of Turin Exhibit

A permanent exhibit of replica images of the Shroud of Turin is located just outside the Lower Church. On display are four actual-size positive and negative images of the Shroud, believed to be the authentic burial cloth of Jesus. Pilgrims can consider how much Jesus suffered to give us the opportunity to be with Him in Heaven, if we so choose.

St. Joseph Courtyard

The St. Joseph courtyard is a small version of traditional monastic courtyards and is dedicated to St. Joseph. It also houses the top of the Temple's cross which fell during a thunderstorm. Mother Angelica saw this "accident" as a work of Divine Providence, as now the cross appears as the Tau Cross of St. Francis.

Nativity Creche

Built into the side of a hill on the property, this little chapel is meant to help pilgrims reflect on the Incarnation of God, when the invisible became visible. This is where you can light candles for your prayer intentions and fill your holy water bottles with holy water.

Castle of San Miguel

Complementing the 13th Century architecture of the Shrine, both the interior and exterior of the Castle call to mind the valor and courage of saints in times past and present. The Castle houses the Gift Shop of El Niño, two conference rooms, and a dining area.
The Castle is open Monday-Saturday from 8am-4:45pm.

Eucharistic Garden

Stroll through our beautiful meditation garden which leads you through the Twelve Stations of the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharistic Stations were designed by the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery. Starting with the Old Testament and ending in the New, each Station reveals God’s plan for the gift of the Eucharist across the centuries.

St. Carlo Acutis Exhibit

The Eucharist Miracles of the World is an International Exhibit designed and created by St. Carlo Acutis, to draw all people into a deeper encounter with Christ in the Eucharist. The exhibit consists of 166 panels that present photographs and historical descriptions of the Eucharist Miracles that have taken place throughout the ages. The Exhibit is open Monday-Saturday from 8am-4:45pm.

Pope John Paul II Eucharistic Center

Tours of our Pope Saint John Paul II Eucharistic Center are held Wednesday - Saturday at 2pm or upon request for groups of 15 or more. Pilgrims can experience an interactive encounter with the teachings of the Catholic Church on the Eucharist.

Lourdes Grotto

A replica of the Lourdes Grotto is located behind the John Paul II Eucharistic Center. Like the river that runs in front of the Lourdes Grotto in France, the Mulberry Fork surrounds three-quarters of our property and can be seen and heard alongside of our Grotto. Pilgrims can come and meditate on how God makes all things new and give thanks for His desire to restore us to an abundant life.

Pieta

A replica of Michelangelo's Pieta statue is located near the front gate of the Shrine along with a memorial to those whose lives ended before their birth. It is a peaceful place to pray and relax. There are also picnic tables close by where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Shrine.

Grounds

The Shrine sits on 400 acres in rural Alabama. We have a herd of cattle which can be seen grazing in our pristine white fenced-lined fields, as well as sheep, horses, and three Jerusalem Donkeys. We invite you to walk the grounds and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

Gift Shop of El Niño

Be sure to stop by our incredible gift shop located inside the Castle of San Miguel! Our gift shop is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00am to 4:45pm.
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