Waypoint 141

We were drawn to this sacred space because Google Maps identified it as "Holy Cross Catholic Shrine.” However, it isn't an official Catholic shrine per se (as in blessed and approved by the local Bishop). But, once again, the hand of Providence guided us to a Wonder-full sacred space, nonetheless.

Located just ten miles down the road from the Basilica in Victoria, this Gothic Church on the Prairie is amazing and inspiring, and just like the Savior of the Universe was found in a manger, this masterpiece of sacred architecture to the Glory of God is found in Pfeifer, KS, population around 34. It no longer serves as parish, but has seen much maintenance, love, and care.  It sits in a very small community of homes – no businesses there anymore.  The only indication of life was barking dogs, a woman’s voice scolding them to be quiet and a few horses in small fenced-in lots. 

Holy Cross Catholic Church that stands today was completed and dedicated in 1918. Ten years prior the church building project began.  Known at the time as the “two-cent” church, each parish family paid two cents for each bushel of wheat they produced to fund the construction. Over the next several years, through crop failures and bumper crops alike, enough money was raised to begin construction.

This magnificent church is built in the classic Gothic stye, featuring pointed arches, expansive high ceilings and massive light-giving stained-glass windows. The church was voted as one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Architecture and the central spire, at 165 feet high, is believed to be the tallest gothic church spire in Kansas.

Each aspect of the design has meaning and intended to raise your hearts and minds to God. Since the church is dedicated to the Holy Cross, the entire church is in the form of a cross. It was interesting to learn that even the clock on the main steeple, more than a timekeeper, is the symbol of vigilance. 

This entire House of Prayer is a sign of the vigilance and faith of the people of God who sacrificed to build this spiritual waypoint.  Even today the church is maintained by dedicated faithful and the holy doors are kept open daily for the pilgrim lucky enough to find it.

Click our video link to discover more about this Gothic Church on the Prairie.

Waypoint 142

On our way north to visit family in Michigan, we stopped at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, MO.

The Association of the Miraculous Medal is an apostolate of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians).

The design of the Miraculous Medal was given to Saint Catherine Laboure during the second apparition of our Blessed Mother, Mary on November 27, 1830 in Paris, France. Our Lady spoke this of the medal: "All who wear it will receive great graces; they should wear it around the neck. Graces will abound for persons who wear it with confidence." Many souls have received favors and even miracles by wearing the medal and praying with confidence for the intercession of Mary, Mother of God.

After the first medals were distributed, associations were formed to spread devotion to Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, in order to bring souls to Jesus through Our Blessed Mother.

The Association in Perryville, MO was established in 1918 by the Western Province of the Congregation of the Mission in the United States.

We attended the 12:10pm daily Mass and then spent a few peaceful hours enjoying the beautiful church and shrine grounds. To learn more about our visit and a preview of the shrine click our video link here.

Waypoint 143

This unique and one-of-a-kind sacred space was the legacy of Father Matthias Wernerus, the pastor of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in the Village of Dickeyville, Wisconsin.

Built by hand between 1925 and 1930, the Marian Grotto and spiritual shrines are dedicated to the love of God and country. The monuments were created using a special blend of cement and collected objects from all over the world.

Enjoy the video and, if you're ever near the Dickeyville area, then this is a must see up close and in person.