Missionaries of the Sacred

Fr. Joseph Muller, MSC and the MSC Community in Pennsylvania are undertaking a new project, creating an outdoor Stations of Cross and Shrine to the Sacred Heart on their property in Center Valley.

Shortly after the construction of the building in Center Valley in 1968 to house our MSC seminarians, the students planted a double row of pine trees, thirty feet apart, which arced the East and South of the building.  For fifty years these trees quietly grew into the sky, while partially shading the undergrowth which competed with them for the area.

When Fr. Muller arrived in 2009, he found the area uncared for.  Wild cherry and mulberry trees had taken root within the pine branches facing the building, while sumac trees dominated the branches facing the corn fields.  Dead branches, poison ivy and other weeds covered the floor between the pines.

This summer Fr. Muller decided to clean up the mess.  As he cleaned, with chain saw, hatchet, rake and shovel, a beautiful arched nave appeared between the pines and he had the idea that this setting was ideal for an outdoor Stations of the Cross. His local superior, Fr. E. Michael Camilli, MSC, gave him permission to undertake the project and the idea is becoming reality.

The lower end of this 900 foot walkway, which Fr. Muller is almost finished cleaning, opens up to four rows of pines.  Fr. Muller thought that this area was suited to a small shrine to the Sacred Heart.  It will serve as resting spot after making the Stations and will invite the faithful to sit down in the shade of the pines and meditate quietly with the Lord and his Mother.

Fr. Muller hopes to install the carved wooden Stations in the MSC chapel in Center Valley on the pines and replace them with a set that were formerly in the MSC community chapel in Reading, PA.  He also plans to use the carved wooden statue of the Sacred Heart that formerly graced the MSC chapel in Geneva, IL for the shrine.  The MSC have invited Mr. Phil Stofanak, a master cabinet maker, to construct a protective covering for these artifacts, so they can withstand the rigors of winter.

The chapel in Center Valley has been designated as the National Shrine for Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.  This project will enhance the area and provide an opportunity for visitors to spend time in prayer and reflection.