Sacred Heart Chapel, Teton National Park, photo courtesy of Ryan Dorgan / Jackson Hole News & Guide
As this Year of Mercy progresses, we now have a Holy Door for pilgrims to visit in the western portion of the Diocese of Cheyenne. Now that the Teton National Park has reopened for the season, we were able to dedicate another Holy Door in the State of Wyoming in the beautiful Sacred Heart Chapel.
I had every intention of presiding over the ceremony, but illness prevented me from being on hand, so Fr. Louis Shea got to do the honors! A local reporter from the Jackson Hole News & Guide provided a nice story, which you can read here.
The National Parks are a true treasure of this nation, and Teton National Park is one of the gems in the crown. From the raw beauty of the park, the inspiring spires of the Tetons to the variety of wildlife that can be found in few other places, it is a for sure bucket list destination. Along with all of that, there is the quiet sanctuary of Sacred Heart Chapel.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Dorgan / Jackson Hole News & Guide
Besides the grace of simply walking through the Holy Doors and fulfilling a few simple obligations of receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, receiving Holy Communion and saying a few prayers, the chapel provides a place of solitude for prayer. The chapel is open all day and night, with Mass available Sunday evenings at 5:00 mid June through September.
This Jubilee Year is a time for us to first of all recall God’s incredible patience with us, and the infinite mercy that is ours through Jesus Christ. Once we become rooted in God’s mercy, we are then to be the agents of mercy in the lives of others. As God continues to abide in our midst through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we are to accompany others that they may come to know the warmth and tenderness of God in their lives.
Nature is God’s first book. Spend some time this summer in the beauty of God’s creation that he may re-create your spirit. Spend some time with Jesus Christ today and every day that God may stir your soul and inspire you to serve Him in your neighbor, furthering the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth!
Peace,
+pde
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