Vacation/Travel Supplement
Spiritual compass points:
Make a one-day pilgrimage in the archdiocese
By Mary Ann Wyand
NORTH—What would it be like to sit next to Jesus during the Last Supper?
An interactive sculpture at St. Christopher Parish, 5301 W. 16th St., in Indianapolis invites people to sit outdoors at a table beside a life-size image of Christ and spend time in prayer or reflection.
Master sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz of Toronto, Canada, created “The Last Supper” and describes his contemporary religious artwork as “visual prayers.”
“It’s a place of prayer for anyone wanting to have a closer experience of their faith,” Father Michael Welch, pastor, explained. “There is an answer for every need when you sit down at the table with Jesus.”
While there, join St. Christopher parishioners for Mass at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday or 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon and 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Nearby on West 16th Street is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which is open daily except on Christmas.
SOUTH—Down a road less traveled in the scenic southern Indiana countryside near St. Meinrad is the Shrine of Monte Cassino, a chapel in the woods that is a one-of-a-kind pilgrimage destination.
An outdoor crucifix near the chapel offers a silent witness to Christ’s sacrifice when he died on the cross to save us.
For years, Perry County farmers made spring pilgrimages to the historic shrine off Indiana 62 east of St. Meinrad on “rogation day” with Benedictine monks from Saint Meinrad Archabbey to ask God for blessings on the growing season.
During the Marian months of May and October, pilgrimages open to the public are held there each Sunday starting at 2 p.m. local time.
While there, tour historic Saint Meinrad Archabbey. A monk leads a walking tour at 1:30 p.m. (CDT) on Saturday starting at the Archabbey Guest House and Retreat Center. Or go on a self-guided tour using a Visitor’s Guide. Mass is celebrated at 9:30 a.m. (CDT) on Sunday at the church.
EAST—Show St. Anne parishioners in New Castle how much you care about them by praying outside the rubble of their historic brick church.
The 83-year-old Henry County landmark at 102 N. 19th St. was gutted by an arson fire during the early morning hours of Holy Saturday, April 7.
Carry tissues because the sight of this formerly beautiful house of God will bring tears to your eyes.
But take hope because the Church is the people of God, and St. Anne parishioners have prayerfully supported each other and grown stronger in the wake of this tragedy.
While there, join St. Anne parishioners for Mass in the basement of the Parish Center at 4 p.m. on Saturday or 8 a.m. on Sunday. You may need to stand.
“The essential is receiving the Lord, no matter where we do that,” said Franciscan Sister Shirley Gerth, parish life coordinator.
Nearby are the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Museum and many antique shops.
WEST—St. Theodora Guérin, Indiana’s first saint and foundress of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, was a remarkable woman of God who still teaches us lessons about faith through her profound writings.
“What have we to do in order to be saints?” Mother Theodore wrote. “Nothing extraordinary, nothing more than what we do every day. Only do it for his love.”
Visitors may venerate the French-born saint’s remains from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at the Church of the Immaculate Conception at the motherhouse off Highway 150 west of Terre Haute.
Join the sisters for Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
While there, tour the Providence Center and Heritage Museum to learn about St. Theodora’s life and ministries. The center, museum and gift shop are open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. †