(Photo of Sister Michele Morek blessing the Mount cemetery in 2009)

By Sister Michele Morek

On the Third Sunday of Lent, Father Ray – our chaplain here at Mount Saint Joseph – gave a homily on Holy Ground. He considered several things that might make a particular place “Holy Ground:” Is it something that people do there? The history of the place? Or the invitation of God to come and “take off your shoes” there?

I thought about what has been holy ground for me … There are places where I have experienced the faith of those who have come to worship there. El Santuario De Chimayo in New Mexico came first to mind. (Whether you believe in the healing power of the water or soil or not!) I have felt it at Notre Dame in Paris, in Saint Peter’s in Rome, in places of pilgrimage, and in little neighborhood churches. And of course, at the shrine of Saint Angela Merici in Brescia, Italy.

But I also feel it in the redwoods (or any forest), at the foot of Denali (or any mountain) or in any cemetery. In fact, back where I came from, we even call a cemetery “Campo Santo.”

Though Saint Angela advised us to go to daily Mass (Rule, Chapter VII) she went on to say:

“But, on the other hand, it would be better if you did not spend too much time in churches. If you wish to pray at length, go into your room, close the door, and pray in the way and for the length of time that the Holy Spirit and your conscience dictate.”

So, add to the list my own room, or the Mount Saint Joseph grounds – surely Holy Ground for me.

What about you? What is Holy Ground for you?