Saint Louis Art Museum - St. Louis, Missouri

(Photo provided/ Saint Louis Art Museum)

Destination: To see an exhibit of religious art by Federico Barocci (ca. 1533–1612), you might want to take a short trip on “Route 66” to see the St. Louis Art Museum. Barocci was a devout Catholic from Urbino in northeastern Italy, also the birthplace of the painter Raphael.
Mass options are many in the area. Check www.masstimes.org to find a church near your motel or hotel.
Why to go: “Our exhibition has the largest collection of Barocci drawings and paintings ever brought together in the Western Hemisphere,” says Matthew Hathaway of the museum staff. “Virtually the entire exhibition is religious art, with much of it coming from the Vatican and from churches in and around Barocci’s home town of Urbino.
“The artist is regarded as revolutionary in his treatment of many standard, religious scenes. And art historians — including our European art curator, Barocci expert Dr. Judith Mann — consider him to be the archetypical counter-reformation artist,” Hathaway adds.
Access: Handicapped-accessible parking is available in the public lots near the main entrance to the museum.
Admission: The museum is free. The museum will be closed on Christmas, but open New Year’s Day.
(Grand) Kid friendly:  Absolutely; the museum hosts family tours every Sunday.
Info: Address: Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110. Phone: 314/655-5493.  Web: www.slam.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Editor's note: This exhibit closed in 2013. Check the museum website to see if other religious exhibits are planned.We have removed ticket prices and information about the exhibit.

Museum of Biblical Art - New York, New York

(Photo provided)

Destination: If you plan a trip to New York, add the Museum of Biblical Art (MOBiA) to your list of stops. Its collection of Bibles, on loan from the American Bible Society, includes some of the earliest printed Bibles in existence, as well as Bibles in many languages.
Mass options are many. The museum is on Broadway, just over a mile from St. Patrick’s Cathedral (www.saintpatrickscathedral.org), but it’s even closer (a few blocks) from St. Paul the Apostle Church (www.stpaultheapostle.org) near Fordham University.
Why to go:  Open until Jan. 20, 2013, is “Louis C. Tiffany and the Art of Devotion.” Tiffany and his artists designed wall decorations, mosaic floors — even vestments — for Catholic and Protestant churches and Jewish synagogues for nearly half a century. Leaded-glass windows of the type most often associated with Tiffany, as well as archival photographs and work in other media will be displayed.
Another exhibit open until Jan. 20 will feature Bibles of the “Gilded Age.”
Access: The MOBiA website gives you lots of options, including nearby parking. MOBiA can handle wheelchairs and umbrella-type, fold-up strollers.
Admission: Free. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, except Thursday when closing is  at 8 p.m.
(Grand) Kid friendly:  In a word, yes. The museum  is called “visitor friendly” by the Guides Association of New York City, and regularly hosts school and community events.
Info: Address: Museum of Biblical Art, 1865 Broadway at 61st St., New York, NY 10023-7505  Phone: 212/408-1500. Web: http://mobia.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Editor's note: The museum asked us to remove illustrations of the art that was part of the Tiffany exhibition, but we left the descriptions. We encourage you to check the museum website for special exhibits when you plan your trip.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum - Peoria, Illinois

(CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World)

Destination: As his sainthood cause advances, now may be the ideal time for a trip to Peoria to see the new Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum in the new Spalding Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Peoria.
Mass, about a block away in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception where Archbishop Sheen was ordained a priest, is offered Saturday  at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in English and 12:15 p.m. in Spanish. While you’re there, don’t miss a visit to the St. Thomas More Chapel to see it’s amazing collection of saint’s relics. Tuesday through Friday,  8 a.m. Masses are at St. Peter’s Parish, 2719 NE Madison Ave.

(Observer photo by Amanda Hudson)

In the photo (above), a man takes a snapshot of Byzantine-rite vestments and other items belonging to the late Archbishop Fulton Sheen on display in the museum (right). The Spalding Pastoral Center houses both the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum and the Peoria Diocesan Museum.
Why to go:  Born in El Paso — you’ll take a right there on I-39 to get to Peoria — and ordained for the Diocese of Peoria, Fulton John Sheen may well become an Illinois-native saint.
For older Catholics, familiar with Archbishop Sheen’s TV show, “Life is Worth Living,” the museum will be a reminder of an “entertainment” staple of the 1950s. And it offers a great opportunity to pass on the legacy of one of Catholicism’s most famous American spokesmen before he becomes a saint. (Talk to anyone there; they’re almost ready to guarantee it will be soon. Look for the story of his first alleged miracle in next week’s Observer.) Relax in a corner to watch a movie about his life, and don’t forget to ask about the Sheen Trail.
Access: Parking is about a half-block away, but the museum is on the first floor.
Ammenities: There are gift items for sale in the museum and the center will make special arrangements for groups.
Admission: Free, but donations are welcome, both to support the musuem and the Sheen Foundation to further the sainthood cause. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
(Grand) Kid friendly:  The museum welcomes children, but keep in mind it’s a small space inside an office building.
Info: Address:  Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 NE Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603. Phone: 309/671-1550. Web: www.cdopmuseums.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

The J. Paul Getty Museum Getty Center - Los Angeles, California

(Photo provided/Getty Center)

Destination: If you’re about “to motor west,” consider a stop to see the J. Paul Getty Museum Getty Center.
If you’d like to go to Mass before your visit, about a mile away is St. Martin of Tours Church (11967 Sunset Blvd.), where Masses are 7 and 8:15 a.m. weekdays; 5:30 p.m. Saturday; 7:30, 9, and 10:30 a.m., 12 noon and   5:30 p.m. Sunday.
Why to go:  Drawn primarily from the Getty permanent collection, the exhibit includes Medieval Bibles, missals, choir books, breviaries and psalters (Psalm books), many illuminated with vivid pigments and gold. According to a press release, the exhibit explores three aspects of religious life: both public and private devotion, and devotional literature.
Access: Strollers and wheelchairs are available at the center; baby backpacks aren’t allowed. And keep in mind, there are two Getty facilities and this exhibit is at the Getty Center in LA. Both are near the San Diego Freeway (I-405), so check for roadwork detours before you go. Public transportation is also available.
Admission: Free, but parking is $15. Hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday (through Sept. 21) and Saturday.
(Grand) Kid friendly:  Prepare for your visit by checking the website’s tips for families before you go.
Info: Address: The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049.  Phone: 310/440-7300. Web: www.getty.edu

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Editor's note: The exhibit of religious art that inspired this Destination, “The Art of Devotion in the Middle Ages,” has long since closed. The museum required that we remove the art illustrations two years after we were given permission to publish them, but we've left their descriptions in the article. We also have removed exhibit-related special events.

Catholic Churches - London, England

(CNS photo/Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo)

Destination: The peal of church bells across London for three minutes beginning at 8:12 a.m., July 27, signaled the beginning of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games had begun in England’s capital. If you’ve been planning a vacation abroad  to coincide with Olympic events, you may want to visit one of several Catholic Churches that will host hospitality centers, at least, until Aug. 12.
Masses will vary at each church, so check as you go.
In the photo, young people surround Pope Benedict XVI outside Westminster Cathedral in central London during his September 2010 visit to the city. When you visit, you may also want to see the Anglican Westminster Abbey, but for Mass, you’ll want the cathedral.
Where to go: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Grove Crescent Road, Stratford E15 1NS, stands just a quarter-mile east of the Olympic Park. It is run by the Franciscan Friars Minor. Two large marquees fitted with big screen televisions stand in the church parking lot to broadcast all events live. Free refreshments were to be offered 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Mass will be celebrated daily at 12:15 p.m., and from 9 a.m. til 6 p.m., daily, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
St. Catherine of Siena Church, 177 Bow Road, E3 2SG,  also will be open for adoration 6 p.m.-midnight and St. Anthony’s Church at Forest Gate, E7 9QB, from midnight-9 a.m. St. Catherine of Siena parishioners will also be handing out free bottles of water and votive candles to passersby.
The Marist-run parish, Notre Dame de France Parish, 5 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX, in the heart of London’s West End entertainment, shopping and dining district, is planning a “Praise Marathon” from 3 p.m., Aug. 4 through Aug. 5. This church offers Mass in English and French.
Access: Your biggest problem may be traffic.
(Grand) Kid friendly: It’s the Olympics, after all.
Info: Web: Diocese of Westminster — www.rcdow.org.uk; Diocese of Brentwood — http://dioceseofbrentwood.net; www.catholic2012.com; www.morethangold.org.uk;  @catholic2012.

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld; CNS contributed to this story
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Editor's note: Many of the sites that were available during the Olympics may be out of service, but you can always check the Diocese of Westminster site at http://rcdow.org.uk/ for more information.

St. Martin of Tours Church - Louisville, Kentucky

(Photo provided)

Destination: If you plan to attend next year’s Kentucky Derby, add a visit to St. Martin of Tours Church to your itinerary. By then, the relics of St. Magnus, a Roman centurion, and St. Bonosa, a young Roman virgin, should be back in their resting places in the church.
Masses are at 8 and 10 a.m. on Sunday and at noon daily. The Sunday noon Mass is in Latin.
Why to go: Since 1902, the bones of the martyrs have rested at the parish. There the bones of the pair, who are believed to have been martyred in the third or fourth century in Rome, are being examined by Philip DiBlasi, an archaeologist who teaches skeletal forensics at the University of Louisville, and four of his students students. Early evidence confirms traditional lore.DiBlasi, who is a member of St. Bartholomew Church, says, “To be a Catholic and to do this is way cool.”
The original church was built on the grounds of a small brickyard in 1853. Today’s church is home to members of 1,000 households in the Louisville area.
Access: Be prepared for some stairs.
(Grand) Kid friendly: This urban church has lots of other art, statues and stained glass windows kids might enjoy seeing. Take a camera or art supplies for them to record their visit.
Info: Address: St. Martin of Tours Church, 639 South Shelby St., Louisville, KY 40202. Phone: 502/582-2827. Web: www.stmartinoftourschurch.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Relics of the Mexican Martyrs - San Antonio, Texas

(Observer photo courtesy
Knights of Columbus)

Destination: If you happen to be in San Antonio this weekend, you’ll be able to see the relics of the Mexican Martyrs, six priests — members of the Knights of Columbus —  at San Fernando Cathedral. They were in Chicago in early May. Plans are under way to expand the tour of the relics through the United States, but the Knights of Columbus are setting up dates and locations. Check their website — www.kofc.org — for updates and more information about the relics.
Why to go: The priests were among 25 martyrs of Mexico’s anti-Catholic persecution during the 1920s and were canonized by Pope John Paul II May 21, 2000. Depicted in the mural (clockwise from top) are Sts. Miguel de la Mora de la Mora, Jose Maria Robles Hurtado, Mateo Correa Magallanes, Luis Batiz Sainz, Rodrigo Aguilar Alemán and Pedro de Jesus Maldonado Lucero. The painting is part of the permanent collection at the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven, Conn.
The priests are among those whose stories are being told in the new movie, “For Greater Glory,” in theaters now.
The illustration is a painting by Mexican artist Martha Orozco that features six priests who were canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 21, 2000.
Access: Be prepared for the stairs.
(Grand) Kid friendly: The cathedral, which was founded in 1731, is used to visitors, including kids.
Info: Address: San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205. Phone: 210/227-1297. Web: www.sfcathedral.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Shrine of Our Lady of Charity - Miami, Florida

(CNS file photo/Archdiocese of Miami)

Destination: In 1961, not long after Cuban refugees began fleeing Fidel Castro’s new regime, one of their first acts of gratitude after reaching U.S. shores was to thank Our Lady of Charity the patroness of their homeland. An image of Our Lady of Charity (right) arrived from Cuba on the day 30,000 refugees gathered to celebrate her feast day at the old Miami Stadium. In 1967, construction started on a Miami shrine to house the statue.
Masses are at noon Monday through Saturday and at 3 and 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Why to go: The shrine, funded largely by Cuban refuges, still serves the faithful in Spanish. The website, in fact, is labeled in Spanish — Ermita de la Caridad — Santuario Nacional. In addition to celebrating the Cuban devotion to Our Lady of Charity, one of the key elements of the shrine is a large mural behind the altar that illustrates the history of Cuba — from the voyages of Christopher Columbus (left, bottom corner), who sailed under the flag of Spain — to the 20th century. It also features a central image of Our Lady and the child Jesus.
In the photo, the late Bishop Agustin A. Roman of Miami stands outside the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami.
Amenities: A gift shop at the shrine is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Access: Be prepared for the stairs into the shrine.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Outdoor sites are always fun for kids, but there will be some pilgrims in prayer.
Info: Address: Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, 3609 South Miami Ave.,  Miami, FL 33133. Phone: 305/854- 2404, 305/854-2405. Web: http://www.ermitadelacaridad.org (Choose English or Spanish on the home page, but keep in mind that many pages appear only in Spanish.)

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Salesian National Shrine Mary Help of Christians - Stony Point, New York

(Photos provided)

Destination: Property aquired to train male aspirants in the 1940s is now  the Salesian National Shrine Mary Help of Christians.
Masses are at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday; noon, Monday through Saturday, followed by the rosary.
Why to go: The Hudson Valley site is actually home to several outdoor Marian Shrines, including the domed shrine dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. A shrine is dedicated to Salesian founder, St. John “Don” Bosco and another to St. Padre Pio.
The Becchi House on the site is an authentic replica of Don Bosco’s birthplace in Italy.
Its pavilion chapel was finished in 2006. There is also a Stations of the Cross path featuring life-sized statues.
Amenities: A picnic ground is available, and there is a bookstore and gift shop.
Access: Most of the walkways appear fairly easy to navigate.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Outdoor sites are always fun for kids, but there will be some pilgrims in prayer.
Info: Address: Salesian National Shrine Mary Help of Christians, 174 Filors Lane, Stony Point, NY 10980. Phone: 845/947-2200 Web: www.marianshrine.org

 - Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Shrine Church of St. Anthony of Padua - New York, New York

(Photo by Amanda Hudson)

Destination: Religious and movie-making history meet in New York City at the Shrine Church of St. Anthony of Padua. The church is located four blocks south of Washington Square Park on the corner of Houston and Sullivan streets, in Greenwich Village one step into the SoHo neighborhood. It is close to New York University, Chinatown and Little Italy areas.
Masses are Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 and 11 a.m.  Weekday Mass is offered at the rectory across Sullivan Street from the front doors of the church.
Why to go:  The church is the oldest existing Italian parish in the United States and the second Italian parish ever founded here. The building is the first parish church built by Italian immigrants in the U.S. Franciscan friars staff the parish, as they have since it began.
For 142 years, it has ministered to Italians, as well as jazz musicians, beatniks, artists, actors and, now, the rich and famous living in the area. Even a saint was a member: St. Francis Xavier (Mother) Cabrini. once taught in the parish’s religious education program.
The church boasts a Jardine Pipe Organ that was built around 1888, when the church was erected. It was built as opus 933 by George Jardine and Sons Organ Company of New York. From its beginning, it was considered to be both historic and grand. It was overhauled in the 1950s with some parts changed and some compromises made. The church has kept up with repairs and tuning, with some major work done in recent years including a rebuild of the organ console into a state-of-the-art modern organ console by the John Klauder Organ Company.
Special events: On weekends from March to mid-December, you can enjoy St. Anthony’s Market on the Houston Street sidewalk. The market, called a “best find” in one book and featured in an article entitled “The Best Place to Look Like A Movie Star for under $15,” also has been written up in Vogue, New York Magazine and other publications.
Access: Didn’t look handicapped accessible, like most all of New York. Everywhere are lots of stairs.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Kids will like the “movie wall” inside the church. They may recognize scenes from “Godfather II,” “Moonstruck,” “Men in Black,” and other movies shot there.
Info: Address: Shrine Church of St. Anthony of Padua, 154 Sullivan St., New York City, NY 10012. Phone: 212/777-2755 Web: http://stanthonynyc.org

- Compiled by Amanda Hudson

Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral - Indianapolis, Indiana

(Photo provided)

Destination: This year’s Super Bowl and any year’s Indy 500 aren’t the only reasons to visit Indianapolis. Regardless of your reason for going, plan a stop at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Masses are 5 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, 8 a.m. Monday-Friday and 5:15 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday.
Why to go:  The parish was established in 1892, two years before Rome authorized the move of the diocesan see from Vincennes, Ind.,  to Indianapolis. The new parish was on its way to becoming a cathedral. Originally served by its 1890s chapel, the cornerstone to today’s church was laid in 1905.
Three of the cathedral’s pastors eventually became bishops — two for Indianapolis and one for Evansville, Ind.
The church was renovated in the 1980s, a process that was completed in 1986, followed by chapel renovations in 1992.
If you visit, consider leaving a donation for the The Cathedral Soup Kitchen. It has been feeding the hungry of Indianapolis since the Great Depression of the late 1920s through the 1930s, when parishioners handed out peanut butter sandwiches to the needy. Today, there is a seven-days-a week meal program that feeds 3,200 meals a month, and a food pantry that helps 1,080 households a month. 
Access: There are steps leading to the golden front doors of the this urban church.
(Grand) Kid friendly: As usual, inside a church, children will want to be on their best behavior.
Info: Address: SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, 1347 North Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46202-2302. Phone: 317/634-4519. Web: www.ssppc.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Pope John Paul II Cultural Center - Washington, D.C.

(CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

Destination: Catholics from around the country and the world can learn about the heritage left us by Blessed John Paul II at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center. The Knights of Columbus announced that they would purchase the center during their annual meeting last August. Plan your visit during the week, though, because the center is only open Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tours can be arranged for other weekdays. (See contact information, below.)
Masses are held Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m.
Why to go:  The center sits on 12 acres in a part of the Washington, D.C., known as “Little Rome” or “Little Vatican.” Other Catholic institutions of note in the area are the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and The Catholic University of America,  the headquarters of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, Trinity University, Providence Hospital and the Franciscan Monastery and Commissariat of the Holy Land.
The center cost $75 million to build and the property has been valued at $37.7 million. It opened in 2001 with financial backing from the Detroit Archdiocese.
A Papal and Polish Heritage room features photos, videos, artwork and memorabilia from Blessed John Paul’s life, from his childhood through his papacy. Other displays include gifts from world dignitaries, vessels from Masses celebrated by Blessed John Paul II and other reminders of his lifetime.
The Knights plan a variety of exhibits for the center, including displays on the life and legacy of Blessed John Paul and on the Catholic heritage of North America.
Access: Navigating the grounds should not be a problem.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children of all ages will enjoy a visit to the center. It's a usual stop for diocesan youth groups who go to the annual January March for Life.
Info: Address: Pope John Paul II Cultural Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 4471, Phone: 202/635-5400. Web: www.jp2cf.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld; CNS contributed to this story
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org