I had the opportunity to see some very interesting and unique little chapels today. There is an old Belgian community that settled and farmed the land. They would build small personal chapels to thank God for a favor, to honor a particular saint or devotion, or to remember their loved ones. I had a map that showed many of the chapels that were open to the public. Today was the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and I found a chapel with that devotion, so I thought I would start there. The directions took me right to it, sitting in the owners front yard close to the road for easy access. I went in the tiny building that held an altar, large statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, several smaller statues, old photos, pictures, and framed prayers on the walls, baskets of prayer books and cards, a memorial to a daughter, and a small kneeler. It was built in the late 1800’s and kept up by the homeowners. It was truly a little piece of history. I said some prayers, took some photos, and signed the guest book before I left. As God would have it, there was a church and cemetery across the street and I noticed a large structure in the middle. I went over to take a look, and sure enough it was a grotto with St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes. I smiled and thanked God for the extra gift. I was grateful to see these beautiful structures that were so far off all the main roads and cities. I felt it was a testament to the faith of the people there.

I Found God today in personal chapels.