Plan Your Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Pilgrimage Resources, Spiritual Resources, Local Hanceville Resources
Jill and Keith provide a binder at Our Lady of Fatima Guest House full of helpful information for your trip, and they are available before and during your trip to help you plan your pilgrimage. Whether you want to detail an itinerary for your time at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament or simply go out to eat or plan a run, your hosts are ready to help. A few of these resources are outlined below to get you started.
Pilgrimage Resources for the Hanceville Shrine
Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament – Visit the website for the Shrine in order to see Shrine and gift shop hours, view Mass and Confession times, see the nun’s schedule of prayer, learn more about the history of the Shrine, explore a calendar of events, find tour information, explore exhibits, or even submit a prayer request.
Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration – Learn more about the cloistered, contemplative order of nuns at Our Lady of Angels Monastery founded by Mother Angelica. Dedicated to perpetual adoration of Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament, you will hear the beautiful voices of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration at the Shrine.
Gift Shop of El Niño – The gift shop at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:45p.m. All proceeds directly support the Poor Clare Nuns.
Other Places to Visit on Your Pilgrimage
Ave Maria Grotto – The Ave Maria Grotto was built by Brother Joseph Zoettl, OSB. Located on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey, the Grotto features 125 delightful miniatures of famous parts of the world. The Ave Maria Grotto is approximately 20 minutes from Our Lady of Fatima Guest House.
EWTN – While you are here in Alabama, we encourage you to include a visit to EWTN as part of your pilgrimage. EWTN Global Catholic Network was founded by Mother Angelica and is the largest religious media network in the world. You can attend Mass, go to Confession, adore Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, tour the EWTN studios, and even sit in on a live EWTN show. Traveling from Our Lady of Fatima Guest House in Hanceville, Alabama, to Birmingham, Alabama, to visit EWTN is approximately one hour.
General Spiritual Resources
National Eucharist Revival – The U.S. bishops launched a three-year initiative in 2022 to inspire Catholics around the United States to develop a more intimate relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. This website contains resources including a blog, a nine-day prayer series, and even video courses to help you learn more about the great gift of the Eucharist and deepen your relationship with Our Lord.
Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word – The Franciscan Friars are an essential part of the mission of EWTN and the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Submit prayer requests, listen to powerful homilies, read blog posts, watch videos and more to aid your spiritual journey.
EWTN – EWTN also features endless resources for prayer and spiritual growth. Learn more about the Faith, sign up for online video series, discover beautiful prayers and novenas, watch EWTN shows, and more.
Sacramental End of Life Care – Hospitalis is a Catholic resource that can provide medical accompaniment on your pilgrimage, including hands-on nursing care.
Local Resources: Explore In and Around Hanceville, Alabama
Luna's Bar-B-Que – Luna's Bar-B-Que is a locally-owned restaurant located in Hanceville. Get a taste for what Hanceville is all about. Of course they specialize in barbecues and stuffed potatoes, but we love to order their fish on Friday nights! Lunch and dinner.
Pop's Café – Pop's Café serves great southern food. You’ll feast on southern classics and comfort foods piled high on every plate. Make sure to order some of Craig's delicious homemade desserts like his fried apple pies! Breakfast and lunch.
Cafe Tula Taqueria – A wonderful place to enjoy authentic homemade Mexican food. Don't be fooled by the quaint environment. You'll never leave hungry! Lunch and dinner.
WDG (Warehouse Discount Groceries) – Need to pick up some groceries during your stay? Take a short 10-minute trip into Hanceville and shop at WDG, a full-service grocery store that carries the Food Club brand. They are a well-established local chain established in 1977.
Hele Bowls (Cullman) – In one word … DELICIOUS! Not only are they 100% gluten-free, they also are sugar-free, dairy-free, and cater to most dietary restrictions. They serve everything from sushi and poke bowls to chicken, steak, pork and vegan bowls. Only 20 minutes from the Guest House.
412 Public House (Cullman) – Enjoy high-quality ingredients, handcrafted cocktails, juicy burgers, fresh seafood, and more. Lunch and dinner. Only 20 minutes from the Guest House.
Clarkson Covered Bridge (Cullman) – One of Cullman's most well-known attractions, Clarkson Covered Bridge is a historically rich site, originally built in 1904. It once was used regularly by farmers and travelers to cross Crooked Creek. It is 35 minutes from the Guest House.
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Welti Falls (Cullman) – Incredibly beautiful in the wetter seasons, Welti Falls is a stunning waterfall just off I-65 east of Cullman. Only 10 minutes from the Guest House.
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North Alabama – If you are up for an adventure further away from the Guest House, North Alabama boasts many natural wonders, impressive waterfalls, rivers and lakes, fun-filled festivals, delightful art scenes, internationally acclaimed music and food, a diverse cultural scene, and rich history. Places of interest include: Cathedral Caverns, US Space and Rocket Center, Waterfall Trail, and much more.
Learn More About Our Lady of Fatima
Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima – The Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima is a world-wide effort to heed Our Lady of Fatima's call to bring about the triumph of her Immaculate Heart, do penance for poor sinners, and perform reparation to her Immaculate Heart. Learn more about the message of Fatima, and discover resources for prayer and devotion.
World Apostolate of Fatima – The World Apostolate of Fatima is the Church's official voice on the authentic message of Fatima. Learn more about Fatima, join the effort to pray and sacrifice, and learn about the pilgrim virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima.
The Fatima Center – The Fatima Center exists to promote the full message of Fatima. Learn about the messages, Our Lady's requests, the consecration of Russia, the First Saturday Devotion, and more.
