Up to Holy Hill

Start with a high hill. the highest in southeast Wisconsin, and people came.

Indigenous people, later called Native Americans, used the heights to worship.

After the Europeans arrived in North America, the French explored much of present day Wisconsin.

In 1863, a priest dubbed it Holy Hill while dedicating a small wooden chapel.

Today, this hilltop is home to the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill.  Or, Holy Hill for short.

It's 435 acres with a Shrine Chapel and upper church called a Basilica since 2006.

This is another well-known Wisconsin landmark, and one I'd never visited. Our winding return from Door County took us into an area I thought was close.  A quick check of the map revealed it was less than five miles away.

From the valley below it seems to rise toward the heavens.

The road curves along the side of the hill into deepening shades of green - fitting since Irish immigrants were among the first to settle here.

Then a left turn as the land becomes a park and a refuge.

We saw hikers, picnickers, and a large group exiting cars for a wedding in the beautiful sanctuary.

There's a cafe to feed those making a trek to this special place.

And a tower.  192 feet from base to tip with 178 steps, most of them traveled one direction at a time.

I climbed each step.  Waiting on landings or an occasional wide spot to let south-bound traffic pass.

The first step starts at an elevated ground level even with the basilica floor.  The Tower is wide and completely enclosed

The staircase hugs the outside walls, until the windows give way to open looks framing the land below.

Even with others traveling the stairs it is quiet. The sound of wind and the beating of your heart in your ears.

It's peaceful.  A gorgeous juxtaposition of natural and manmade beauty.

At the end of the stairs you are on the same level as the west tower.  Only the wrought iron frames the beauty below.

 I spent more than five minutes alone on the deck.

I'm not Catholic, but you don't need to be to appreciate this piece of creation.

The lofty perch with an eagle's view for miles and miles provides perspective on our real size when it comes to the universe.

For me, places like this embody Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God."

At this height, you feel alive as senses overload; as you feel your heart pumping; inhaling; and exhaling.

The splendor is a great place for prayer of thanksgiving.

To the north, the cross topping the steeple is eye level.

The patina of the spire contrasts against the gray skies and green land.

At this height you can see the shape of the sanctuary is that of a cross.

The entire Holy Hill is special, but at this height you do feel close to God.

A good feeling to be sure in these disconcerting days.

"God is our refuge and strength,a very present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1