Hello, Friends! As promised, I put together a quick post about our recent trip north of us.
First, a general map of Michigan:
Last Friday, Rich and I decided to take a road trip north from where we live in Michigan. I’d never been to the Cross in the Woods, so Rich really wanted me to see it.
The trip was about 4 hours or so and we spent Friday night in Mackinaw City which is about 35 miles north of Indian River where the Cross in the Woods is.
We ate that night at Nonna Lisa’s which has amazing Italian food. I had the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, and Rich ate a wood-fired double pepperoni pizza. It was expensive but delicious (and I had left-overs to bring home in our cooler).
Saturday morning, we were up early so we could cross the Mackinac Bridge to St. Ignace. Once there, we went to one of our favorite spots on Lake Huron, Java Joe’s. They have the best coffee and breakfasts! (Please see the map above)
After our wonderful breakfast and conversations with some of the locals, we went back south to Indian River where the Cross in the Woods is. (Please see the map above)
Here are some pictures I took of our experience:
Shrine of St. Peregrine the Cancer Saint
Peregrine is the patron of those who suffer from cancer and HIV/AIDS. The statue lives in a gazebo which provides a place for reflection and prayer.
National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods
Created by Marshall Fredericks. The Cross was erected in 1954 and the Corpus added in 1959.
According to tradition, Jesus had to climb twenty-eight stairs leading to the throne of Pontius Pilate where He was condemned to death. These steps were later found and brought to Rome in the year 326, where they were known as the Scala Santa. People began to climb these Holy Stairs on their knees praying and meditating on the Passion of Jesus Christ. In 1956 these twenty-eight steps were built for that same purpose. Many pilgrims today continue the practice of climbing these Holy Stairs on their knees in prayer and meditation leading to the Cross.
From Indian River, we headed back home. It was a beautiful trip, and just what we needed.
I hope you enjoyed this tour of our road-trip!
Take care,
Road Trip!!
This sounds very cool, though perhaps not the 4hr trip to get there.
I had no idea there was a patron saint of those with cancer and HIV/AIDS. That’s a beautiful place for reflection and to give thoughts to those suffering.
The Holy Stais and that cross are incredible. It looks like a huge statue, especially when you see the tiny people in the foreground on the bench.
This trip was a much-needed change of scenery and change of pace I imagine. I hope you & Rich had a wonderful time. What happens in St. Ignace,, stays in St. Ignace 😉
xx
The four hours goes by fast when you have good music. 😀
I didn’t know that either about Saint Peregrine, but you’re right that it was a nice place for reflection.
The statue is huge, it’s true. It is 55 feet high, 22 feet wide.
We needed to get away so badly, it was so fun to just jump in the car and go. I love what you said about St. Ignace. hahahaa
I didn’t realize Michigan was surrounded by the Great Lakes- beautiful! It would be difficult to visit a place like The Cross in The Woods and not come away changed. I could feel the spirituality even through your photos.
Yep, Michigan is the Great Lakes State. 😀 I’m so glad you liked the photos. I agree about coming away changed. I sat there for quite a long while; it’s a good place for contemplation.
Apologies for the errors, that’s what comes of rushing. 🙂
No worries at all, Peter. 🙂
How delightful. I’m quite sure you and Rich really needed the break.You wrote the piece so well, I felt I was along the journey with you. The pictures are sublime. Thank you for and exciring and also informative article. Blessings. peter
Thank you so much. You are right that we needed the break. It was nice to get away even if it was a short trip. Blessings to you, too.
Very, very cool! It’s always nifty to visit locations like this and learn the historical relevance of such a place. And you’re photos are amazing!
Thanks for sharing! 😀
Thank you. It was a lot of fun to take this little trip on a whim. 😀
Just watching the pictures are healing for the heart and spirit. It seems to be a beautiful and very peaceful place.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you liked the pictures. It was quite lovely.