American
Catholics are rediscovering a hidden treasure: the
National Shrine of the Sacred Heart. Visitors to the
Shrine enjoy its serenity as well as the beautiful
Sacred Heart gardens.
It
is built on a slight incline with five plateaus, each
containing a multi-colored geometric walk along which
there are plaques depicting the
TWELVE PROMISES of the
Sacred Heart to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. The focal
point of the Shrine is the crowned statue of the Sacred
Heart, made of Carrara marble.
As you approach the Shrine you will see five
sparkling fountains, dedicated to the five wounds of Our
Lord. In the sanctuary there is a granite altar of
sacrifice with a stately chair, where the Holy Sacrifice
of the Mass is celebrated on numerous occasions
throughout the seasons.
Moving through the Shrine one will recognize the
unfolding story of the life of Christ from birth (a
permanent nativity near-life size scene) to His burial
in the tomb (a permanent tomb with a life size statue of
the Dead Lord).
The fourteen Stations of the Cross placed alongside a
meandering concrete path offer pilgrims beautiful
moments of meditation, and the tomb of the unborn
reminds us of the continuous tragedy of the slaughter of
the innocents in our land.
Situated in the Harleigh section of Hazleton,
Pennsylvania, at the foothills of the Pocono mountains
in the Diocese of Scranton, the Shrine of the Sacred
Heart stands as the largest OUTDOOR Shrine in North
America devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Dedicated on June 22nd, 1975, the Shrine was founded
by Father Girard Angelo, then the local pastor, and is a
contemporary reminder of the majesty of the Sacred Heart
and a serene embodiment of devotion to Him.
The motto of the Shrine, “Heart of Jesus Source of
peace and Reconciliation”, and the words of the
Sacred Heart, “Come to me all you who labor and find
life burdensome”, are inscribed on granite slabs so that
all who see the Shrine receive the true meaning of the
Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Harleigh.
The Shrine was designated a National Shrine by the
national Conference of Catholic Bishops in March 31st,
1997, through the good efforts of the Most Reverend
James Timlin, today Bishop Emeritus of Scranton. It is
open to the public 24 hours per day. There are no
entrance fees of any kind. There are no collections
taken for the Shrine. Monetary gift for the premises’ up
keeping are gratefully accepted by not required.
