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Major airport gets a 24/7 eucharistic chapel
Photo by Jacob Bentzinger on Unsplash
It is one of the busiest (and sometimes craziest) airports in the world. Now, it has a place of refuge and peace for the stressed or stranded passengers. For anyone traveling who wants to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport now offers a 24/7 eucharistic chapel.
The chapel was dedicated and blessed by Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer of Atlanta on Monday, February 13. The tabernacle was actually placed in the airport in November, according to CNA. The chapel was not able to be blessed by the archbishop until Monday because of security restrictions at the airport which require anyone beyond the security checkpoint to be a passenger of a flight (or of course an employee of the airport). Archbishop Hartmayer was on his way to catch a flight Monday and made use of his ability to enjoy the chapel, bless, and dedicate it.
The chapel is located in the international terminal of the airport so it does not benefit domestic travelers much, but it certainly provides a welcome grace for those coming into the country as well as those departing. Chaplain Father Kevin Peek told Catholic News Agency he has already seen individuals crying in the chapel and expressing their job at being able to spend time with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament while traveling through the airport.
The chapel will also provide an opportunity for communion services and Mass to be held at the world’s busiest airport. Mass is currently held there on Saturday night and Sunday night, which also coincides with the reportedly busiest travel days of the week. Deacons hold Communion services in the chapel on Thursday and Friday.
Although the chapel is designed to be an interfaith chapel (to enable others to use the space), it provides the ability for Catholics to spend some time before the Lord in the tabernacle. With the tabernacle containing the Blessed Sacrament in it the possibilities are unlimited as to how Christ can use this opportunity to spread His message of love, forgiveness, and peace in a violent and hate filled world. Next time you are traveling internationally through Atlanta, stop by and spend a few minutes with Jesus in the tabernacle or attend Mass.
The Catechism calls the Eucharist the "source and summit" of our faith. Now, it can be a source of peace, prayer, and calm in the midst of the chaos of traveling. It can also be a place of refuge for employees and airline crew members. The chapel is available to both passengers and employees.
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About the Author
Amelia Monroe Carlson graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. Being raised as a Methodist during her early years, it was not until she entered college where she began to take her faith seriously. She was baptized as a Southern Baptist in Muscle Shoals, AL and began immediately serving in international missions and in the church.
During college, she became the Co-founder of an International Ministry, where she spent time traveling and speaking to church groups and in large conferences. She authored a Bible study and traveled abroad on mission work. She sat on the Mid-South Interfaith Conferences in Mississippi, where she defended the faith and discussed beliefs with leaders of various religions.
After a business trip to Washington D.C., where she was introduced to a former Baptist who converted to the Catholic Church, she was placed on a journey to enter into the Catholic Church.
Amelia is a military wife and currently residents with her husband and daughter in Tennessee. She is a nine time award winning journalist, receiving press awards for various categories including investigative journalism, best news coverage, and best single feature. It is her desire to help Catholics, particularly Cradle Catholics, see the beauty in their faith which converts see and appreciate the fullness of truth which the Church has held and guarded throughout history. It is her desire all Catholics fall as much in love with Jesus as she is, and love the Church to a greater capacity than they could imagine.
Amelia taught PRE for 4-6 grade at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bolivar, Tennessee from 2014-2016. She served as Youth Director at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Somerville, Tennessee in 2017-2018. She now teaches 7th grade (1st year Confirmation) PRE class at St. Philip. She's also a writer and frequent podcast guest on Our Warpath.
She has a strong devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis de Sales, St. Padre Pio and St. Maximilian Kolbe.
To contact Amelia for speaking inquiries at conferences, retreats, or parishes contact her via social media on Facebook (Amelia Monroe Carlson), Twitter (@2_catholic ) or send a text to: (731)518-6923.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliamcarlson
Twitter: @2_catholic (Catholic ministry account)
Twitter personal account: @ameliamcarlson
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