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Our Lord loves you perfectly, unconditionally, and
eternally. As you make your arrangements to come here on pilgrimage, invite the
Holy Spirit to guide you and to prepare your heart to commune with our Lord
Jesus, Who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. When you have responded
to His call to come apart and rest awhile, in order to be refreshed and renewed
in His Living Presence, He will no doubt reveal His love to you in new ways. As
you empty yourself and open your soul to Him in childlike faith, He will meet
you where you are, draw you to His Sacred Heart, and bless you with every
spiritual blessing that you need. He will comfort you where you hurt, heal your
woundedness, forgive your sins, strengthen your faith, give you a sense of
purpose, encourage you in good works, and send you back into your world with the
confident assurance that He will never leave you or forsake you. He will
be with you always, as you share the Good News of His Truth and love with those
around you. Daily He desires to renew His Covenant with you and keep His
promises to you, which were sealed with His Precious Blood. His mercies are new
and fresh each morning. What a faithful and loving God we are privileged to
serve!
Mother Angelica, the Nuns, the Priests and Brothers,
and many of us here are praying for you. God bless you, as you strive to
live a holy life, pleasing to Him in a world that so desperately needs His
Light, His Love, His Truth, and His Peace. We are looking forward to
your coming
in Gods time.
Prayerfully,
Dale Sibley, Pilgrimage Coordinator Eugenie Breaux, Pilgrimage Coordinator
Eternal Word Television Network Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
(205) 271-2966 Option 1 (205) 795-5717
If you are planning a group pilgrimage, after
reviewing this information, please contact us to confirm your desired pilgrimage
date and other plans. In this way, we can ensure your group can
be properly accommodated. You will also need to coordinate other details
(such as lodging, transportation, activities, and meals) with our Pilgrimage
Department.
In order to maintain a set schedule and to make the most of your pilgrimage to EWTN and the Shrine, we ask that any further site-seeing be planned either before or after your visit with us.
The Eternal Word Television Network and the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament offer several scheduled activities to visitors each day. While only groups of 10 or more may schedule extra events in advance, individual pilgrims are always welcome to join any scheduled activities. Come and spend time with our Lord!
Activities at EWTN are intended to
instruct pilgrims in the Faith. Times of Catechesis are combined with
times of prayer to provide a greater understanding of the ageless truths of the
Catholic Church. Your trip to EWTN focuses on giving you a
better knowledge of God and what He has revealed to His people so that you may
stand firm and hold to the traditions taught you (2 Thes
2:15).
6:00 AM Divine Office with the Friars
7:00 AM Friars Conventual Mass, Televised on EWTN
8:10 AM Rosary with the Friars (8:30 AM on Sunday)
9:30 AM Catechesis* or Mass* (Monday through Saturday only)
11:00 AM Confession
11:30 AM Mass (Sundays Only)
12:00 PM Mass (Monday through Friday only)
2:30 PM Catechesis*, Healing Service*, Holy Hour *
2:30 PM EWTN Studio Tour (Monday through Friday only)
3:00 PM Divine Mercy Chaplet (Monday through Friday only)
5:05 PM Solemn Vespers and Benediction
6:00 PM Bible Study with Fr. Ray Bourque, OMI (Sundays only)
7:00 PM EWTN Live Shows (Click
here to reserve Tickets) (Monday through Thursday
only)
*Activities with an asterisk must be booked in
advance by a group of 10 or more. Once scheduled, these activities are
open to all pilgrims.
The Chapel is open from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM for silent adoration.
Activities at the Shrine of the Most Blessed
Sacrament are intended to offer pilgrims a time of silence, prayer, and
serenity. The noise of the world is drowned by the voice of the Lord, heard in
the silence of prayer and adoration. Your trip to the Shrine focuses on
giving you a deeper love of Jesus present in the Most Blessed
Sacrament.
6:05 AM Nuns Divine Office
7:00 AM Nuns Conventual Mass
8:00 AM Confession
8:20 AM Rosary with the Nuns
9:00 AM How It all Began* for students, children and pilgrims (Monday through Friday only)
10:00 AM How It all Began* for students, children and pilgrims (Monday through Friday only)
10:30 AM Spiritual Talk * (Monday through Friday only)
11:30 AM Nuns Divine Office
11:50 AM Divine Mercy Chaplet with the Nuns
1:30 PM Confession (Except Fridays)
1:30 PM How It all Began* for pilgrims (Monday through Friday only)
2:30 PM Healing Service* or Spiritual Talk* (Monday through Friday only)
4:00 PM Mass in the Lower Church* (Monday through Friday only)
4:00 PM Confession (Except Fridays)
4:30 PM Nuns Divine Office (Sundays only)
5:00 PM Nuns Divine Office (Except Sundays)
5:00 PM Benediction, Televised on EWTN (Sundays
only)
*Activities with an asterisk must be booked in
advance by a group of 10 or more. Once scheduled, these activities are
open to all pilgrims.
The Chapel is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM for silent adoration.
The following terms give greater explanation to the
nature of scheduled activities.
Friars Conventual Mass: this is the Communal Mass
for the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word (MFVA), televised from the
Chapel at EWTN each
day.
Confessions (Sacrament of Penance) at EWTN: resident priests hear
confessions at appointed times throughout the day in Saint Michaels Hall,
adjacent to the Chapel.
Solemn Vespers and Benediction in the Chapel at EWTN: recited by the Friars and followed by a Eucharistic benediction, this celebration of Evening Prayer of the Divine Office is open to everyone. By their attendance in this liturgical celebration, EWTN employees and other lay-faithful find this time of prayer is the perfect way to end the day.
First Friday Stations: immediately following Solemn
Vespers, all are invited to make the Way of the Cross with the
Friars.
Friars Divine Office: this official prayer of the
Church is prayed publicly each day by the Friars. Through participation
in the Divine Office, pilgrims have the privilege of partaking in the holiest
liturgical prayer next to the Mass. Office of Readings and Morning prayer
begin at 6 a.m.
Catechisis at EWTN: this hour-long talk by
one of the priests or Friars focuses primarily on catechetical and spiritual
subjects.
Tour of EWTN: a tour of the Network
is provided at 2:30 PM Monday through Friday for pilgrim groups and all other
visitors. Individual pilgrims, please notify the EWTN receptionist if you
wish to take part in a tour.
Healing Service: an hour of Eucharistic adoration,
including prayers for the sick, a spiritual reflection, general benediction with
the Most Blessed Sacrament, followed by an individual benediction for
everyone.
Holy Hour: an hour of adoration before the Most
Blessed Sacrament various prayers such as the Rosary, Novenas, and other
prayers may be said and a short spiritual reflection will be given. The
hour concludes with benediction with the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Bible Study in Guadalupe Hall: an intriguing time of
learning the Scripture with Father Ray Bourque, OMI, lasting until
7:30 PM.
Nuns Conventual Mass in Upper Church: the communal
Mass of the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration.
Confessions (Sacrament of Penance) at the Shrine:
priests hear confessions at appointed times throughout the day in confessionals
located at the back of the Upper Church.
Nuns Divine Office: this official prayer of the
Church is chanted each day by the Nuns in their cloistered Divine Office
Choir. Through silent participation in the Liturgy of the Hours, pilgrims
have the privilege of partaking in the holiest liturgical prayer next to the
Mass.
Spiritual Talk in Castle: an hour-long talk given by
a resident priest of the Shrine or an MFVA. Focusing primarily on growth
in the life of prayer and other spiritual topics, this talk is meant to feed the
soul and lead the pilgrim to a deeper understanding of the beauty and demands of
Christian living.
Talks by the Knights of the Holy Eucharist:
informative talks about the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and how it all
began given to students, children, or pilgrims interested in learning more
about the Lord and His Temple.
Sunday Benediction: a televised holy half-hour of adoration which includes singing by the Nuns, a litany or prayer, a Scripture reading, a short talk, and blessing with the Most Blessed Sacrament.
We welcome you to attend one or more of the various Live Shows taped at EWTN. Mother Angelica Live, Life on the Rock and The Journey Home are all taped before a live studio audience. All Live Shows begin at 7:00 PM Central Time. If you would like to be in the audience, please contact us as soon as possible. We will need your name, telephone number, zip code, show date(s), and the number of tickets you want. There is no charge for tickets, but because of the limited seating in the studio, it is wise to reserve tickets as soon as possible.
e-mail pilgrimages@ewtn.com
Telephone: 205/271-2966 option 2
Fax: 205/271-2957
Address: Eternal Word Television Network
Pilgrimage Department
5817 Old Leeds Road
Irondale, AL 35210
Local motels offer special rates for pilgrims visiting EWTN and the Shrine. Since it takes approximately one and a half hours to travel between EWTN and the Shrine, you may wish to plan on spending the days that you visit the Shrine at accommodations in the Hanceville area, and your days visiting the Network at a motel in the Irondale area. Be sure to identify yourself as an EWTN pilgrim to receive special pilgrim rates. All prices are given minus applicable taxes. These rates are good any time except during special area events.
HAMPTON INN - EAST
Mileage from EWTN - 1
I-20, Exit 133
3910 Kilgore Memorial Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35210
(205) 956-4100; (800) 426-7866
Monday Thursday: $69; Friday - Sunday only:
$59
BEST WESTERN RIME GARDEN & SUITES
Mileage from EWTN - 1.3
I-20, Exit 133
5320 Beacon Dr., Birmingham, AL 35210
(205) 951-1200 ; (888) 282-1768
Standard Room $50; One bedroom suite:
$60
COMFORT INN EAST
Mileage from EWTN - 2.3
I-20 at Montevallo (Exit 132-W; 132B-E)
4965 Montevallo Rd, Birmingham, AL 35210
(205) 957-0084; (800) 228-5150
Standard room: $68
RAMADA INN AIRPORT
Mileage from EWTN - 5.6
I-59/20 at Airport Highway Exit
5216 Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35212
(205) 591-7900 (800) 767-2426
Rooms: $59.00
HAMPTON INN - TRUSSVILLE
Mileage from EWTN - 7.2
I-459 at Exit 32
1940 Edward Lake Rd, Birmingham, AL 35235
(205) 655-9777; (800) 426-7866
Rooms: $63
AMERISUITES INVERNESS
Mileage from EWTN - 8.8
I-459, Exit 19 (2.0 mi. East)
4686 Highway 280E, Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 995-9242
Monday Thursday: $65; Friday Sunday:
$49
KEY WEST INN & SUITES
Mileage from EWTN 10.1
I-458, Exit 19
4400 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243
(205) 968-3700; (800) 833-0555
Sunday Thursday: $69; Friday & Saturday:
$55
BAYMONT INN & SUITES
Mileage from EWTN - 10.3
I-459, Exit 17 (1.5 mi. East)
513 Cahaba Park Cir, Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 995-9990
Standard Room: $49; Suite: $59
Groups: Call Julia Robertson @ 256-830-8999 Ext. 119
Tour Bus Group Rates: $45 for Standard room
BEST WESTERN HOTEL
I-65, Exit 310
1917 Commerce Ave., Cullman, AL 35055
(256)737-5009
Rooms: $52
COMFORT INN
I-65, Exit 310
Hwy 157, Cullman, AL 35055
(256)734-1240
Rooms: $52
DAYS INN
I-65, Exit 308
1841 4th St. SW, Cullman, AL 35055
(256)739-3800; Fax:(256)739-3123
Rooms: $41
HAMPTON INN
I-65, Exit 310
6100 Hwy 157, Cullman, AL 35057
(256)739-4444
Rooms: $65
SLEEP INN & SUITES
I-65, Exit 310
2050 Hwy 157, Cullman, AL 35057
(256)734-6166
Groups less than 25: $51; Groups of 25 or more: $49
Suites: $65
SAINT BERNARDS CONFERENCE & HOSPITALITY CENTER
I-65, Exit 308 (Follow Ave Maria Grotto Signs)
1600 St. Bernards Dr, Cullman, AL 35055
(256)734-3946 (ask for Br. Andre)
Groups of 20 or more: first night $23, subsequent nights $19
Meals: with lodging add $5; without lodging $6.50
Individuals: Lodging and 3 meals - $40 suggested donation
Individual must stay a minimum of 3 day and 2 nights
(256) 352-0430; Contact: Karen Williamson
4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bath Fully furnished kitchen & separate dining room
Entire House will sleep 14 people: $275.00 includes tax
Mileage from the Shrine 1
Toll Free (877) 778-2374; (256)
352-0271
Contact: Hale & Rhonda Wilson
Entire House: 1-4 adults: $93.50 per night (add $22.00 for each additional adult)
Private Suite: Queen Bed and Sofa Sleeper
$49.50 per night
Mileage from the Shrine 1
1707 County Road 548, Hanceville, AL 35077
Toll Free (877) 778-2374; (256)
352-0271
Contact: Hale & Rhonda Wilson
Entire House: 1-4 adults: $93.50 per night (add $22.00 for each additional adult)
Private Suite: Kitchenette, Queen and Full Beds
$60.50 per night
Mileage from the Shrine 1
1221 County Road 548
(256) 709-2985 Judy Warwick or (256) 708-1713 Barbara Dunn
1 Adult: $55.00 per night
2-4 Adults: $65.00 per
night
**No Charge For Children**
Dress and Decorum: In order to show respect to our Lord Jesus Christ, truly present in the most Blessed Sacrament, as well as to show a spirit of charity to the Nuns, the Priests and Brothers, and the other pilgrims, we request the following:
+Please observe silence when you enter the Shrine and the EWTN Chapel.
+We encourage you to dress comfortably, but modestly. Please do not wear sleeveless tops, tank tops, shorts, or mini-skirts. Ladies may wear slacks.
+Please do not leave Mass before the Blessed Sacrament has been exposed and the Nuns have finished singing at the Shrine.
+Please do not take pictures inside the Shrine. There
are many lovely pictures and postcards you may purchase at the Gift Shop in
Castle San Miguel. At all other locations, pictures are
permitted.
Gift Shops:
The gift shops serve as the main means of
financial support for the nuns. Each has a unique selection of beautiful
statues, crucifixes, rosaries, books, videos, and many other holy reminders to
nurture your faith. The Shrines gift shop is open Monday through Saturday, 8AM
to 5PM . The EWTN gift
shop is open 8AM to 4PM Monday through Friday and 8AM to 3PM on Saturday. Be
sure to visit both!
Shuttles: Some motels in the EWTN area have shuttle
service to EWTN and to
the Birmingham International Airport. On Monday through Thursday, The Best
Western Rime Garden Inn and Suites also has a round-trip shuttle between Irondale and the Shrine.
There is, however, no shuttle service from the Cullman motels to the
Shrine.
Transportation: If you prefer not to drive to
Alabama, you may fly into the Birmingham International Airport, come on the
Amtrak train, or use the Greyhound Bus service. You will need to set up your own
transportation from these terminals. Thrifty Car Rental offers
special deals for EWTN
pilgrims. Advance reservations are strongly recommended and may be booked
by calling 1-800-255-2216 ext. 200 or my e-mailing reservations@gothrifty.net. Be
sure to ask for the special EWTN Pilgrimage
rate.
Meals: No food services are available on the grounds
of EWTN or the
Shrine. Picnic tables, vending machines and indoor facilities are
available for those individuals who wish to bring a picnic lunch. Also,
groups may have catered meals delivered to the Shrine or EWTN. Each group
leader is responsible for making arrangements. A list of caterers is
included for your
convenience.
Caterers near EWTN (for groups only):
Mr. As Eatery and Market
2832 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale, AL 35210
(205) 951-5545
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Hot or
Cold)
Dominos Pizza
1506 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL 35210
(205) 956-8300
Lunch & Dinner
*10 or more Pizzas: Large, 1-topping for $7.00
each
Subway Sandwiches & Salads
5415 Beacon Dr., Irondale, AL 35210
(205) 951-2522 (Fax is same
#)
Lunch Box Express
1719 27th Terr. So., Homewood, AL 35209
(205) 871-7901; Cell # (205) 585-7577
24-hour notice required; can make childrens sack
lunches
Klinglers European Bakery & Cafe
621 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
(205) 823-4560; FAX 823-5563
Lunch & Dinner (Hot or Cold)
Seven Winds Kitchen (Jane Gammon)
Fax: 205-556-0036
Breakfast; Box Lunches
If you have any questions about pilgrimages, please contact our Pilgrimage Department:
Email: pilgrimages@ewtn.com
Telephone: 205/271-2966 option 1
Address: Eternal Word Television Network
Pilgrimage Department
5817 Old Leeds Road
Irondale, AL 35210
EWTN
5817 Old Leeds Road
Irondale, Alabama 35210
205/271-2900
EWTN is located about 1.5 miles from the intersection of I-20 and Kilgore Memorial Dr. Going either direction on I-20, take Exit 133 and go South (if exiting from I-20 East: turn right; if exiting from I-20 West: turn left off the exit ramp, then left again at the first traffic signal). Go up the hill until you come to a stop sign (the road dead ends here) and turn left onto Old Leeds Road. EWTN is about 100 feet on your right.
The Shrine is located about 6 miles from the
intersection of Hwy. 91 and Hwy. 31 in Hanceville, Alabama. Going either
direction on I-65, take Exit 291 for Hwy. 91 North. Turn right at County
Road 747 and right again at County Road 548.
Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
3224 County Road 548
Hanceville, Alabama 35007