Nebraska’s Sacred Places explores special places in Nebraska that heal, restore calm, enlighten the mind and inspire the soul. Whether they are churches, temples, shrines or even cemeteries, each sacred place holds a unique meaning that is different for every person.
People are attracted to these places because they “want to find a place where they can re-encounter that which is most central to them,” said Stephen Lahey, University of Nebraska-Lincoln religion professor. Lahey provides context in the program about sacred places, what similarities there are across religions and why these places are important to Nebraskans.
While some sacred places are tied to religion, some link the visitor to history and others offer a respite from the chaos of daily life. Others are important because of art, architecture or location.
"They bring their souls, their yearnings, their hopes into a place to create community. At that moment, the place becomes sacred,” said Sr. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel in Omaha.
Sacred Places and their locations include:
- Zion Lutheran Church, formerly Thayer, but relocated to Wessels Living History Farm in York
- Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Arapahoe
- Temple Israel, Omaha
- St. Paul’s Methodist Protestant Church/The Stone Church, Culbertson
- Ft. McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell
- Linh Quang Buddhist Center, rural Lincoln
- Louisville Christ Lutheran Church, Louisville
- St. Cecilia Cathedral, Omaha
- Quinn AME Chapel, Lincoln
- Pilgrim Holiness Church, Arthur