Chapel Ambassadors and Prayer Team Welcome Visitors
They come from all over the world, including Denmark, Australia, India, France, and the Philippines, to get a glimpse of one of the hidden gems of the Diocese of Phoenix.
Nestled among the majestic red rocks of Sedona in northern Arizona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross attracts approximately 2 million visitors a year. This small church only seats 65, but the floor-to-ceiling windows behind the altar offer stunning views of the picturesque valley below.
It depicts a giant cross and a lifelike Jesus standing beneath it looking kindly into the eyes.
Chapel Coordinator Sunny Perotti said during the busiest seasons, fall and spring, the chapel may receive 15,000 visitors on a weekend.
“Some people think it’s carved out of rock. It’s not. It’s just built on rock. But that’s how you interact with nature,” Perotti said.
“They’re looking for truth and beauty, and they find it here. And you can see their hearts being touched.”
Many visitors walk the steep path to reach the chapel, while others take the ferry up in a golf cart that waits at the base of the summit. The earth-toned chapel, built in the shape of a vertical cross, houses the relics of the 12 apostles. The basement gift shop sells rosaries, nativity scenes, greeting cards and more made by local artisans.
Linda McQuaid moved to Sedona two years ago and serves as an ambassador for the chapel. On a hot, windy day in June, she was standing outside greeting visitors. She wore a “Jesus Uniform,” a powder-blue polo shirt emblazoned with the chapel’s insignia, and handed out pamphlets and water bottles.
“It’s totally different because I’m an introvert, but when I wear this, I’m like a spokesperson for God,” McQuaid said. Her role is to welcome people and invite them to the chapel. She has met dozens of people, many of whom are not Catholic, and is encouraging them to step indoors.
“When someone says, ‘Tell me about this vortex thing,’ I tell them about the Holy Spirit and how it’s everywhere and how God created all of this. It will be.”
Sedona has long been known for its New Age vibe, and several travel websites list the Chapel of the Holy Cross as one of the region’s “most powerful vortices,” or energy centers. When it comes to chapels, they’re not that far off the mark. A divine presence beckons on the scene.
It’s the healing that happens through the sacraments, divine beauty, and a prayer team right outside your front door.
Visitors with health issues, marital problems, financial burdens, and emotional scars approach the team for prayer. Father Ignatius Mazanowsky, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish and Holy Cross Chapel, formed the group about a year ago.
On the first and third Friday of each month (except during July), our prayer team will be on hand to pray with people. Mass, Confession, Adoration, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and music by renowned Catholic musicians Tim and Julie Smith provide a sacred encounter.
“In most mission fields, Catholics go to meet non-Catholics,” the priest said. Mazanovsky said. “At Holy Cross Chapel, people of all faiths, nationalities and walks of life come to us. They often come seeking healing and encouragement from God.”
The prayer team started with four members and one more was added. “I am also training 11 new people for the prayer service,” said Fr. Mazanovsky said.
“It is a blessing to watch them learn and grow and see God’s healing love reach more people.”
Pat Drexler and her husband Rob are members of the prayer team. Last year, Rob saw a young woman sitting in the chapel crying. He approached and asked if the team would like to pray for her.
“She and her husband came out,” Pat said. “We were sitting here praying and we found out they had lost their baby to miscarriage. They were trying to get pregnant again and were scared.”
“We prayed for healing from the loss of our first child and prayed against the spirit of fear,” Pat said. The couple, who are Catholic, stayed for an unscheduled healing mass afterward.
“Rob said, ‘When this baby is born, please send me a picture of it.'” I took a picture of the baby about a month ago, and it was the happiest baby I’d ever seen. did. On the one-year anniversary of the death of their (first) baby, they found out they were pregnant,” Pat said.
Carolyn Lovino and her son Frank drove all the way from New York State to visit Holy Cross Chapel.
“My mom always wanted to come to Sedona. It was a lifelong dream of hers, but she passed away a few years ago and she never got to come,” Carolyn said, adding that she struggled to cope with her grief. He said he was having a hard time. Health issues and family issues made the pain worse.
“We decided to go on this trip on a whim and explore the Vortex Realm. I kept saying I wanted some healing, whatever. I only wanted to do it for the pain and sadness. I was looking for Reiki and other types of healing.
Carolyn and Frank were sitting with the prayer team outside the chapel. The Drexlers called on the Holy Spirit.
“It was unbelievable because they said some really poignant things. The first time I went there, I said, ‘I feel like my problems aren’t important enough.'” Wheelchair I saw a little girl come in and I said, “What am I crying for?” There’s nothing I have. ‘I didn’t want to waste their time.
“As soon as I sat down, they said, ‘It’s not that time anymore. You are a daughter of God and you are just as important. ”
The team prayed for Carolyn, Frank, and the entire family.
“It was very powerful,” Carolyn said.
The chapel’s website features testimonials from people who have had their prayers answered after visiting. From finally receiving a kidney transplant to surviving advanced cancer to celebrating pregnancy, grateful visitors share their stories and photos.
Reimi Leroy, director of digital media evangelization at nearby St. John Vianney Parish, said the beauty of the chapel and its surroundings is the first attraction for many. According to Architectural Digest, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the 10 most beautiful churches in the world.
“Sometimes people don’t even know what it is. They just feel it. They see the beauty and feel something special,” LeRoy said.
Chappell Ambassador McQuaid said everyone is welcome to visit, regardless of their faith or non-belief.
“Father, Ignatius wrote a poem that says, “Jews and Muslims, atheists and agnostics, and everyone, you are welcome.” It’s a very welcoming place for everyone, but sometimes someone says, “I don’t know if I belong there.” And I said, “Of course I do.”
“People come with an inner sense. They already know something special is happening here, and we help them understand what it is and who it is. “I think this is an opportunity to tell people,” LeRoy said.
“We point them to the Eucharist on the altar. Jesus is present here in a special way.”
For masses, confessions, prayer times and other information, please visit chapeloftheholycross.com.
