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IN THIS ISSUE
From the Desk of
Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
Our Woven Past: Oblate Paths to Sainthood
The Lives of the Saints: St. Ambrose
Fr. John Maronic, O.M.I.: The Path to Sainthood Begins
Look Beyond the Lights
For Rebecca Hughey, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows has long been a place to gather with family and enjoy their company. She recalls her younger years at the Shrine when she would gather together with her parents and brother at the amphitheatre for Sunday Mass. As she grew older her family expanded, as did the number of her trips to the Shrine. “Four generations have come to love this place,” Rebecca says. “It’s such a healing place.”
Now Rebecca enjoys annual family gatherings at the Shrine for the Way of Lights celebration. “Just because I loved it so much I passed it on. It’s so traditional for the grandchildren that they really get upset when they don’t get to see the lights.”
Many families have come to love and cherish their annual visits to the Shrine as one of their annual Christmas traditions. The light display, which begins on November 21 and ends on January 4, 2009 features over one million Christmas lights which illuminate Mary and Joseph’s journey into Bethlehem. But this awe-inspiring display is merely the beginning. The Shrine’s Way of Lights offers something for everyone.
The most recent addition to the Way of Lights
is the laser light show. Now in its second year,
this exciting show allows visitors to experience
the birth of Jesus through an amazing spectacle
of light and sound. The show was written and
produced specifically for Way of Lights guests and proved to be a crowd pleaser
during last year’s debut.
While many activities at the Way of Lights are
planned for a younger audience, there are certainly
no restrictions on who can enjoy them! Children
young and old will be mesmerized by a ride atop a
camel ... and feeding animals at the petting zoo
offers the entire family the opportunity to get a closer look at some furry friends. In the Interactive Children’s
Village, your “little angels” will delight in a multitude of
hands-on activities and interactive puppet shows 
as they
learn about the very first Christmas gift, Jesus. While
visiting the Children’s Village, don’t miss the chance to show
your “inner angel” ... and have the photo to prove it! Visitors
are invited to dress in a white gown, wings and a halo for this
fun photo opportunity.
Beautiful wreaths and trees that have been professionally decorated by
florists and designers from the St. Louis/Metro East area will be on display
during the Way of Lights. Throughout the season silent auction bids will be
taken for the wreaths, with proceeds benefiting the ministries of the
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. While you visit these indoor
displays, take the time to listen to local choir and musical ensembles as they
fill the air with beautiful sounds of
the season.
For a special occasion or “just because,” you
and your loved ones can enjoy a horse-drawn
carriage ride through the devotional light
display. For reservations and more information
on these rides, please contact Nobleshire at
(618) 476-7800. You may also journey through
the Way of Lights in a trolly, which departs from
the Shrine’s Visitors Center.
Plan ahead and make the most of your visit! The Shrine has so much to
see and do, just one night might not be long enough.
The AAA Shrine Hotel features 78 rooms with
complimentary continental breakfast, free WiFi and
special packages to meet your individual
needs. Hungry? Enjoy the Way of
Lights Buffet or the a la carte and
children’s menus at the Shrine
Restaurant. Finally, find the perfect
Christmas gift for those special persons
in your life at the Shrine’s Gift Shop.
Celebrate Christ’s birth in an enriching and fun environment that the entire family will enjoy! For more information about the Shrine and the Way of Lights, visit us on-line at www.wayoflights.org. Please note: On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve/Day, the Way of Lights activities will be closed, but the light display will still be viewable.