Holy Family Shrine, Catholic sanctuary in Gretna, Nebraska
The Holy Family Shrine is a Catholic chapel and sanctuary in Gretna, Nebraska, built on a bluff directly alongside Interstate 80. Its walls are made largely of glass, framed by western red cedar beams and set on a limestone base, giving the structure an open and light-filled character.
The project was started in 1993 by four Catholics, including a priest and two architects, who wanted to create a place of prayer along this heavily traveled road. After structural difficulties during construction, the chapel was completed in 2002.
The south-facing window of the chapel carries an etched image of the Holy Family that fills the interior with warm light. Near the visitor center entrance, a sculpture referencing the tomb of Jesus invites quiet contemplation from those passing through.
The shrine is open most days of the week and holds regular worship services throughout the year. It is a good idea to check current opening hours before visiting, as the visitor center can be occupied by gatherings on some days.
A cross standing about 40 feet (12 meters) tall rises above the highway and can be spotted from a considerable distance by passing drivers. The visitor center directly below it was built underground, modeled on the prairie dugouts that early settlers once used as homes.
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