The Sancta Terra Society is dedicated to transforming communities through the creation of public Catholic shrines that embody beauty, permenance, the truth of the Catholic faith. Our mission is to evangelize through the transcendent power of beauty, crafting sacred spaces that invite personal and communal prayer, contemplation, and community activity. As Psalm 96:6-7 proclaims, “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary,” we strive to build shrines that reflect God’s glory and strengthen the spiritual fabric of neighborhoods.
Our approach is rooted in the conviction that beauty in design can elevate the soul and inspire faith. Each shrine we create is a testament to enduring craftsmanship, designed to withstand time while radiating spiritual vitality. We prioritize the use of local craftsmen and materials, ensuring that our projects are deeply connected to the communities they serve. By engaging local talent, we not only support regional economies but also infuse each shrine with a sense of place and cultural resonance, making them true expressions of local Catholic identity. The Sancta Terra Society uniquely blends a liberal arts background with hands-on expertise in construction and the trades. This fusion allows us to approach shrine-building with both intellectual depth and practical skill, ensuring that every project is thoughtfully designed and expertly executed. Our team collaborates closely with communities, listening to their needs and aspirations to create shrines that are not only sacred spaces but also enduring symbols of faith and unity. Through this work, we aim to cultivate a renewed sense of Catholic identity, where beauty, tradition, and community converge to glorify God and inspire generations.
Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin (1770–1840), born in The Hague to Russian nobility, was a Catholic priest known as the "Apostle of the Alleghenies." Raised Russian Orthodox, he converted to Catholicism at 17, influenced by his mother’s faith. Arriving in the U.S. in 1792, he became the first priest ordained with all theological studies completed in America. In 1799, he founded Loretto, Pennsylvania, building a Catholic community with his inheritance. He served the Alleghenies for over 40 years, earning the title Servant of God in 2005, with his canonization under consideration
We chose Fr. Demetrius Gallitzin as our patron due to his enduring legacy as a missionary in the Allegheny region, near our Steubenville area, and because his transformative vision in Loretto, Pennsylvania, deeply inspires our Society’s mission. Fr. Gallitzin dedicated his life to building a vibrant Catholic community in Loretto, where faith permeated every aspect of daily life, fostering spiritual and communal growth. His selfless commitment to serving frontier settlers guides our efforts to establish shrines throughout the Steubenville region. We aim to emulate his vision by creating sacred spaces that nurture faith, strengthen community bonds, and transform lives through the living presence of Catholic values. For this reason, our logo is the Coat of Arms of Fr. Gallitzin.