Finding Sacred Space

I didn't expect to find a monastery that seemed to be out of medieval Europe in the middle of nowhere in Alabama, but sure enough, there's one there. The site is magnificent, and being out of place only adds to its magnificence. The outside overpowers, and the sanctuary humbles with its beauty.

But I also had a strong sense of being an outsider while there. I had no idea what the pilgrims were doing, or why they were making these devotions. It is a site designed for pious Roman Catholics, and although the sign at the gate says that people of all faiths are welcomed, it is still easy to feel left out if you don't follow this strain of Roman Catholicism.

I wasn't sure what to expect from a site that's a colletion of miniature buildings and scenes built by a monk in the first half of the 20th century. Yes, it's a quirky place, but that adds to its beauty. The miniatures are mostly scenes from the Bible and church history, with a few random pieces thrown in. Each of them seems highly personal. The Ave Maria Grotto is a place where one can experience one man's (rather odd) vision in a beautiful location.