Missionaries of the Sacred

Excerpts from an article by Fr. Joseph Muller, MSC

In 2008 Sacred Heart Villa in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, was designated as the site for the National Shrine to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.

The chapel of the Villa contains a beautiful wood-carved statue of Our Lady, which formerly graced the chapel of the major seminary of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Shelby, Ohio. Below the statue lie banks of vo­tive candles which perpetually glow, reflecting the peti­tions of our donors.

As visitors move from the chapel into the main sitting room of the community they are greeted by another im­age of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Both images invite us to imitate the love of Jesus for us and for his mother, and Mary’s love for us and her Son.

In June 2010, as part of his assignment to care for the ex­ternal property at the Villa, Fr. Joseph Muller, MSC began clearing the pines which arched the eastern and south­ern boundaries of the property, as well as the spring-fed creek which marked the northern boundary.

As he progressed on the work, a natural cathedral-like nave began to appear through the double line of the near­ly fifty year old pines. It seemed to lend itself naturally to an outdoor Way of the Cross and also suggested an ideal spot for a small shrine where visitors could quietly meditate. So Fr. Muller shared his ideas with Bob Matyas and Phil Stofanak, a mas­ter cabinet maker. Both volunteered to help him realize his dream.

The shrine encompasses a double circle of deco­rative stones with a two foot pedestal in the cen­ter. Atop the pedestal stands a lovely wood carving of the Sacred Heart, which formerly hung above the altar in the minor seminary of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Gene­va, Illinois. A refinished wrought-iron and wood bench, placed before the shrine, invites visitors to relax and meditate, as they read the words of Christ which lie below the statue: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of hearts, and you will find rest for your souls.” Mt 11:29

This labor of love took approximately seven months to complete. Hopefully, many visitors will find it attrac­tive and draw closer to the Sacred Heart and Our Lady through it.