Originally published at National Catholic Register
On Dec. 19, 1999, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, was officially opened and consecrated. The opening Mass was celebrated by the Diocese of Birmingham’s bishop at the time, Bishop David Foley. Opening at the same time was Our Lady of the Angels Monastery. Then came the next awe-inspiring moment.
“One vivid memory that I have is of the moment when the shield in front of the monstrance came down for the first time,” recalled Franciscan Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, chaplain and chapel dean for EWTN. “The monstrance presented for the first time the newly consecrated Sacred Host from the dedication Mass for adoration. The choir and orchestra that Mother Angelica had arranged for began to sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah and adoration began — forever changing the atmosphere of the Temple, the monastery, and the surrounding area, because of the profound Presence of the Eucharistic Lord who is loved and adored there.”
The monstrance housing the Blessed Sacrament is above the main altar at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.(Photo: Courtesy of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament)
Father Joseph Mary was present from the start. He shared how various potential
