Chapel on the Rock facts for kids
The Chapel on the Rock is a special place in Allenspark, Colorado, USA. It's officially called the Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel. This chapel is a working Catholic church and a popular spot for visitors.
You can find the chapel on the property of the Saint Malo Retreat Center. This center belongs to the Catholic Archdiocese of Denver. The chapel is open for everyone to visit and enjoy its unique setting.
Contents
History of the Chapel on the Rock
How the Chapel Was Imagined
The idea for the Chapel on the Rock came from Monsignor Joseph Bosetti in 1916. He saw a huge rock formation near Rocky Mountain National Park. This reminded him of a famous Bible verse that says, "upon this rock I will build my church." He dreamed of building a church right on that very rock.
Building the Chapel
Monsignor Bosetti didn't have enough money at first, so building the chapel took a long time. For almost 20 years, he worked hard to make his dream come true. He even had to convince the Colorado Highway Department to leave the rock untouched!
Eventually, a kind couple named Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Malo donated the land. A talented architect from Denver, Jacques Benedict, designed the chapel. Finally, the beautiful Chapel on the Rock was finished in 1936.
A Historic Landmark
Many years later, in 1999, Boulder County recognized the chapel's importance. They officially named it a historic site. This means it's a special place that's protected for future generations to enjoy.
A Pope's Visit
In 1993, a very important person visited the chapel: Pope John Paul II. He came to Denver for an event called World Youth Day. During his visit, he prayed at the Chapel on the Rock. Afterwards, he gave a special blessing to the chapel. The Pope also spent time hiking in the nearby woods and stayed at the Saint Malo Retreat Center.
Surviving Disasters
The Chapel on the Rock has faced some tough times but has always survived. In November 2011, a big fire destroyed most of the retreat center around it. But the chapel itself was saved!
Then, in September 2013, there was a huge flood in the area. Much of the land around the chapel was ruined. Yet, the Chapel on the Rock stood strong and was not damaged by the floodwaters. It truly is a resilient landmark!
