In 1993, four people became inspired to build a chapel for travelers of the road and spirit. All four individuals were Catholic, but only two were previously acquainted: a priest in his early years; a woman, wife and mother; and, two architectural partners!

The Holy Family Shrine sits on a 23-acre site overlooking the Platte River Valley in Gretna, Nebraska serving as a beacon on top of the hill. Once on the site, you are drawn to a path cut into the earth exposing a natural limestone entry.

The chapel represents the shroud of Christ as it fell to the tomb after the resurrection. Constructed of Western Red Cedar, the upper web of the trusses interlace like waving wheat in a field. Similarly, the trusses that support the cedar roof deck 49 feet above the floor of the ridge and 32 feet at the eaves. The arching members of the trusses are cut out of 850 feet single boards

The chapel sits on limestone that appears to be eroded on an exposed piece of ledge stone. It is breathtakingly beautiful.

 

Integrated into the design are complimentary accessories reinforcing the mission of the Shrine. The etched glass figure of the Holy Family hovers like a spirit over the chapel. The 16 by eight foot single piece of glass may be the largest in the U.S.

The pews and Shrine’s furnishings were custom designed to articulate the details of the sanctuary. The light fixtures are an abstract presentation of the crucifixion. The tiered metal sconces represent the ribs of Christ.