“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

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“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

Buddha quotes


With complete understanding that we take are party with us, create our own heaven on earth and peace comes from within sometimes it is nice to find a quiet place to get away from the maddening crowd.   November 21, 2010 the First weekend of Advent was such a time as this.   Instead of attending liturgy at my home parish I decided to drive my husband 45 minutes away to Lewiston, NY.






This was the evening of the http://madmikesamerica.com/2010/11/full-beaver-moon-and-a-blue-moon-on-sunday/

 

Tucked away on Swann Rd. in the middle of Western New York farmlands is the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. http://www.fatimashrine.com/ 

Creche - behind the alter  is a depiction of the birth of Jesus as described in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_scene



there are various chapels for quiet prayer

 



Here you can write out prayers of Thanksgiving or name the burden that is heavy on your heart.

http://ampoleagle.com/josef-slawinski-peace-mural-on-the-move-p2494-124.htm
The Peace Mural, created by Professor Josef Slawinski and installed at the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima in Lewiston, was moved Wed., July 15 about 50 feet back from its original home behind the altar of sacrifice in the basilica.



Two flights of stairs, consisting of 63 steps each, lead to the top of the Dome, from where one enjoys a beautiful view of the Shrine grounds and surrounding hills.


The large statue of Our Lady of Fatima is 13 feet high and weighs 10 tons. It was sculptured In Vermont granite. The grayish color of the stone disappears at night under the spotlights, and the statue seems to beam as a star for all people. Four coats of arms decorate the pedestal of the statue. They represent the coat of arms of Pope Paul VI, who bestowed upon the Shrine the title of Basilica; the coat of arms of the Bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y.; and the coat of arms of the Barnabite Fathers and Angelic Sisters.



                                                              Festival of Lights -  In all there are over 75 displays to be viewed, the Basilica itself is gorgeously illuminated on the outside; inside warm candlelight glows to reveal a fabulous Nativity Scene behind the Main Altar.


During the Festival the Lights are on from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm every night. The Shrine Gift and Book Shop are open until 9:00 pm and the Cafeteria is open until 8:00 pm. The Festival runs from the Saturday before American Thanksgiving until the Epiphany. http://www.fatimashrine.com/festivaloflights.html 




Giant Rosary. In front of the Basilica, a giant Rosary, believed to be one of the largest outdoor rosaries in the world, consists of 59 lights ending with a beautiful marble Corpus of the Lord Jesus nailed to a cross. The Rosary Pool is shaped In the form of a heart to symbolize Mary's Immaculate Heart and her concern for our salvation. 




The Basilica. The construction of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima Basilica was started in 1963. This unique church measures 100 feet In diameter and is 55 feet high. The Dome is covered with two layers of glass and plexiglass depicting a contour of the Northern Hemisphere, upon which rests a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima: Our Lady Is very much in the midst of the world helping humanity to reach the Lord.

This Church was dedicated in 1965 and consecrated on October 5, 1974. On October 7 1975, his Holiness Pope Paul VI, conferred the title of Basilica upon this church. A Basilica is a church associated with the Holy See. One of the privileges accorded to a Basilica is the Plenary Indulgence to all those who gather here for prayer, according to the intentions of the Holy Father.

Our visit to Lady of Fatima Basilica was made even nicer when we stopped in the cafeteria that offered a variety of homemade style entree like; Eggplant Parmesan, Stuffed cabbages, homemade soups and pies.    Shttp://www.fatimashrine.com/facilities.html

As beautiful as the Festival of Lights was I look forward to walking the grounds in during the summer daylight hours to enjoy the gardens.  

While you are in the area take a short drive to visit Niagara Falls, New York.

Peace is within your heart that is true still sometimes it is important to get away from daily stress to a place that calls your spirit to prayer.