Visiting This Amazing Catholic Church in Sedona Will Seriously Leave You in Awe

From the White Dove of the Desert to a chapel converted to a taco restaurant, we sure have a lot of interesting worship places in Arizona. Why don’t we add another one to the list? The Chapel of the Holy Cross sitting high atop the red rocks in Sedona is a wonderful architecture and a peaceful place to pray. What are you waiting for? Check it out:

A Real Work of Art: The Chapel of the Holy Cross

Source: On the Luce

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic chapel. It is beautifully built into the buttes of Sedona, Arizona, fitting right in. In a place where vortex spots abound, one would immediately think that this is indeed where you can find solitude and moment of rest. Visitors can take in the impressive views of the surrounding landscapes – acknowledging the Almighty’s provision and masterful ways in making this world a beautiful place.

The chapel is under the episcopal see of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix while its ministry is conducted by St. John Vianney Parish, Sedona. With just one look, you can already tell. This is not just a spiritual place or a simple Catholic church. It is definitely a work of art with a universal appeal.

Well, This Place Was Supposed to Be Built in Hungary…

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It was around 1899-1988 when local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude had the vision to build a church in the shape of a cross. It was because she was greatly inspired by the construction of the Empire State Building. She comes from a wealthy family, and her parents fully supported her and even offered to buy her the land for the church. According to them, she was free to choose and build it “wherever in the world she wished.”

Staude attempted to build the chapel in Budapest, Hungary and even commissioned Lloyd Wright, son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. However, the plan had to come to a halt due to the outbreak of World War II. Due to this unfortunate incident, she decided to just have it build in her homeland, Arizona.

She chose Richard Hein as the project architect and left the design to architect August K. Strotz. Both these guys come from Anshen & Allen firm. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built on Coconino National Forest land; with a special-use permit obtained using the late Senator Barry Goldwater’s assistance.

Finally, after 18 months, and after Staude shelled out $300,000, the beautiful chapel was completed in 1956. It was and still is a real beauty.

Fun Fact: The Chapel of the Holy Cross was voted to be one of the Seven Man-Made Wonders of Arizona in 2007.

It Is a Sacred Place That Embraces the Beauty That Surrounds It

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Can we just thank the heavens for bringing this beautiful chapel to Arizona?

The chapel has a precise and distinctively modernist exterior. Truthfully, it offers a stark contrast to the weathered rocks of the canyon wall. The huge cross seems to rise between the rock formations as if God himself planted it there. You best believe it. Many visitors are left in awe of the chapel because it was Marguerite Brunswig Staude’s way of creating a lasting tribute to her religious beliefs. On top of that, it also makes everyone appreciate the glory of nature, particularly, in this desert.

The Church looks absolutely stunning as it is. But it’s equally beautiful at night. 

Source: Instagram

Like how Father Kieran, the Parish Priest, said it, “The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a sacred place that was meant to embrace the beauty that surrounds us and reminds us that all beauty gives us a glimpse of the face of God.”

It’s very true, indeed.

About the Chapel of the Holy Cross

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This Catholic Church has many angled shapes, solidifying its impression of grandeur and strength. It’s only fitting given that it is between massive pieces of sandstone.

Undoubtedly, the 90-feet cross is the main feature of the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It is a tall iron that serves a dual-purpose, one of aesthetic and structural. Then, if you go inside, you’ll find the cross actually holding the altar and Corpus on the interior.

Source: Instagram

The chapel can seat up to 150 people. Additionally, you can find the office, confessional, two sacristies and services in the basement of the building.

Visitor’s Guide

• Going up can be pretty challenging for visitors with mobility issues. You will most certainly notice the altitude when pushing up the wheelchair from the handicapped parking area to the Chapel.
• Parking is limited. It also fills up pretty quick. Make sure to come early in the morning right when it opens so it’s not too busy.
• The Chapel of the Holy Cross & the Gift Shop is CLOSED until further notice due to the potential spread of COVID-19.

Location: 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, Arizona, 86336

Website: https://chapeloftheholycross.com/

It simply looks majestic, huh?