Hereford, AZ
March 15, 2017
Today’s road trip was a 30-minute drive from Bisbee to the Shrine, about 12 miles south of Sierra Vista. We left around 8:15am to arrive by 9am as we were told there was a bit of a “hike” to reach the shrine from the parking lot. As the weather is getting hotter in the south of AZ, I wasn’t sure how steep or long the hike would be, I wanted to see the Shrine in the coolness of the morning.
As we drove up the road we saw the stone chapel, the 75-foot Celtic cross, and the 31-foot Blessed Virgin Mary statue silhouetted against the vivid blue sky with just a few white clouds for accent. The Shrine is located at an elevation of 5300 feet and has a panoramic view of the Huachuca Mountains and I’m sure Mexico is out there somewhere…
We arrived just before 9am and it turns out “the hike” is not that far distance-wise, but a bit of a climb to the top. I walked up the trail and as I reach the chapel, the caretaker opened the gate and drove to an upper level parking lot. I asked her if I could drive up to where she was, as my friend could not walk up the trail. She said sure and in fact, I could drive the truck all the way up to the chapel. I was so excited that Patti would be able to visit the shrine, in person, that I went back to the truck, but told Patti I didn’t like the energy and we were leaving. She was very confused… then I drove up to the chapel and I thought Patti was going to hit me with her book. BUT, she was VERY excited to be able to experience this spiritual energy herself: what she would have otherwise only been able to see through my photos had we not been able to drive all the way up.
Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine, completed in 1998, extends a serene invitation for travelers of all faiths. The concept of the Cross and Madonna were the result of a religious calling by Gerald and Pat Chouinard. Their founding roots trace back to 1990 reflecting a visit to a similar high mountain shrine located in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia.
The Celtic Cross stands 75 feet tall, weighs 30 tons, the frame is structural steel, the exterior is concrete/fiberglass and the finish is hand sculpted, giving it the appearance of a wooden cross carved out of a huge tree. It rises out of the mountain reaching to the heavens as if interceding for all of those who have lost their way. At the intersection of the vertical and horizontal cross hangs a crown of thorns. Behind the Cross is a waterfall that cascades down a rock formation.
To the right of the cross is a 31-foot statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Madonna statue weighs 25 tons, the frame is welded steel and the exterior is concrete and the finish is also hand sculpted. Whereas the finish to the cross is made to look like wood, the Madonna’s finish is more finely detailed and intricate. She wears a crown of stars and her right hand is uplifted, seemingly offering hope to all.
The stone chapel is constructed out of river rock, which was mined out of Ash Canyon. This is one of the largest stone structures in Southeast Arizona. When you walk into the chapel the coolness, provided by the rocks, is evident and causes you to want to sit in this serene atmosphere and give thanks for everything in your life. The interior of the chapel has several charming features. Donna Ramaeker, a local artist has painted an original rendition of the risen Jesus, whose eyes will captivate you. Under the mural is an antique Spanish Cross, which dates back to early Mexico. Its origin appears to be that of early native folk art.
Original solid hand hued wood beams are in place over the doors and windows. Their origin was from the structure beams of a Michigan Dutch barn dating back to the 1830’s. A local wood craftsman from Benson, AZ created the doors and cabinets from the same timbers. The latilla ceiling is unpeeled Aspen from Northern Arizona, complemented by authentic Vigas. This private chapel has the rare honor of housing the “Blessed Sacrament” in an old original brass tabernacle, donated by St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, St. Charles, Illinois. Sadly, in 2011 a fire burned the inside of the chapel and the original “Blessed Sacrament” burned, the remains of the Tabernacle are on display in a glass show case. A replacement “Blessed Sacrament” is now housed in a separate brass tabernacle.
There are two Angel statues one representing the Angel of Revelation and the other an Angel protecting children, next to the chapel.
Near the rear of the cross, a rock and cement trail leads the traveler up to an elevated quaint rock grotto with a magnificent view. The literature states: “There continues strong indications that this hill has some future destiny of spiritual importance”.
There is an enfolding peace that pervades the chapel, cross and statues – welcoming you to rest your weary soul and be replenished by the obvious spiritual energy of this chapel and shrine.
Mass is celebrated on the First Sunday of the month at 2pm. If your soul needs replenishing, no matter your faith, you will find exactly what you need within this very spiritual shrine.
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