Exploring the Basilica of Mary Queen of the Universe

Our family returned yesterday after a week in Orlando, Florida.  We spent a good deal of time during the week exploring the many beautiful places to pray at the Basilica. Daily Mass is held in a tiny chapel with stained glass windows that are dark blue and different constellations on them.  When you are inside with the light streaming through the windows there is a feeling you are within the night sky.  On one of the walls in the chapel is an exquisite mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego.

The main Church is immense in size and seats over 2,000.  It is amazing to see the Church fill for Sunday Mass mostly with tourists visiting Orlando from all over the world.  

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament within the
Adoration Chapel

The stained glass windows all made for the Basilica are so intricate and tell the stories of both the old and new testament.  One can spend a great deal of time studying the windows and appreciating the storytelling that each conveys.  Behind the main altar there is an Adoration chapel.  When you are within the Adoration chapel there is a feeling you are deep within the heart of Basilica.  Visitors move in and out speaking different languages.  There is a wonderful unifying feeling within the chapel of people from distant lands finding a common home with Our Lord in the Eucharist.  

As one exists the Church they find more treasures with a lovely Rosary garden.  In the middle of the garden stands a grand statue of Our Lady and baby Jesus constructed in France during the 1800s.  It stood for many years in Holland and now has found a home at the Basilica.  The lush flowers and vegetation of tropical Florida add to the beauty of this outdoor Rosary walk.  Along the way are little benches where one can stop and enjoy the peaceful space.  While we were there for a week, it is a wonderful place to visit and spend time for a day or longer such as we did.