St. Mary’s Basilica - Phoenix, Arizona

(CNS photos/Nancy Wiechec)

Destination: St. Mary’s Basilica, a Phoenix landmark since 1914, is marking its 100th year. The basilica built in the Mission Revival style is the city’s first Catholic Church and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its parish community dates back to 1872.
Masses are offered 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday (11 a.m. Mass is interpreted for the deaf); and 12:05 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Why to go:  This parish in Arizona actually has links to Illinois. According to its history (at its website), St. Mary’s traces its history to the Sacred Heart Province, “which provided early leadership to the church. The Franciscans of the Province of the Sacred Heart trace their roots from the Province of the Holy Cross, Padersborn, Westphalia, Germany (Saxony Province.) In 1858, at the invitation of Bishop Henry Damian Juncker of the Diocese of Alton, Illinois, nine friars were sent to minister to the German-speaking immigrants settling in the Midwest region. The German Friars assumed charge of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Teutopolis, Illinois on Oct. 3, 1858, and thus established the basis for the Sacred Heart Province. ... By 1879, there were 202 friars that made up the Province of the Sacred Heart. The year 1896 saw the friaries of Sacred Heart Province located in the Far West organized into a dependent commissariat. In 1915, the friaries of Sacred Heart Province on the west coast and in Arizona were canonically established in the Province of Saint Barbara.”
From this heritage, the parish in Phoenix developed.
The parish, still in the care of Franciscan friars, has an active  Secular Franciscan Order.
Extras: The gift shop is closed Monday-Wednesday, but open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are welcome, as they would be to any church.
Info: Address: St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. Third St, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Phone: 602/354-2100. Web: www.saintmarysbasilica.org

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

Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace - Honolulu, Hawaii

(CNS photos/Darlene Dela Cruz, Hawaii Catholic Herald)

Destination: The Vatican has designated Honolulu’s Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace as a minor basilica in recognition of its historic and spiritual significance. The Honolulu church is the United States’ 82nd minor basilica, including two in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico and one in the territory of Guam.
Masses are offered Saturday at 7 a.m., noon, 5 p.m.; Sunday at 6, 7:30, 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.; weekdays at 6:30 a.m. and noon.
Why to go:  Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva said he hopes the cathedral basilica, which now holds the relics of St. Marianne Cope and St. Damien de Veuster, will “grow as a spiritual destination for visitors from all over the world. It has been a place of prayer, worship and celebration of the sacraments for generations,” he said, “but its status as a basilica will give it more attention as a place of pilgrimage for visitors and residents alike.”
Among its distinctions, the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, dedicated in 1843, claims to be the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States. It is the church where St. Damien was ordained a priest in 1864 and which greeted St. Marianne Cope when she arrived in Hawaii in 1883. Besides the relics of both saints, the cathedral also contains the graves of Bishop Louis Maigret and Bishop John J. Scanlan.
According to the Hawaii Catholic Herald, “It is the only U.S. cathedral that can claim the presence of a reigning monarch, King Kamehameha III, at the laying of its cornerstone.”
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are welcome, as they would be to any church.
Info: Address: Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, 1184 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813-2838 Phone: 808-536-7036. Web: www.cathedralofourladyofpeace.com

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

National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

(Photo/www.SaintRitaShrine.org)

The Catholic World Meeting of Families will be held in Philadephia, Pennsylvania, Sept. 22-27, 2015. Learn more about the meeting at www.worldmeeting2015.org/. This is the second of several shrines in the Philadephia area that
we’ll highlight before the meeting.
Destination: The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia is in the south part of Philadephia, near its Italian Market. It is dedicated to St. Rita, a 15th century wife, mother, widow and nun. She is known as a peacemaker, as someone who  helped others seek reconciliation and who aided those in difficulty.
Masses are offered Saturday at 8 a.m., noon and 5 p.m.; Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m.; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Why to go:  Philadephia’s Archbishop Patrick Ryan established the parish in 1907 after receiving a large donation from Lucas Burke. The parish was entrusted to the Augustinian Friars, who continue serving the shrine community today. After serving the city’s immigrants and its changing neighborhoods for 80 years, it had fallen into disrepair. Renovation began in the 1990s, leading to its recognition as a national shrine in 2000.
The shrine is home to a variety of art­ — including sculpture, stained glass and more — that highlights the life of St. Rita. Plan your visit by checking the virtual tour on the shrine website.
Amenities: There is a gift shop. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and after Mass until 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Special events: Beginning last month and continuing through May 2015, the Augustinian friars at the shrine are offering a healing Mass at 2 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month.
Admission: Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. The Mission is closed Easter Sunday and Monday, Thanksgiving, and from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26. Cost is $6.50 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children over 7, free  for children under 6.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are welcome, as they would be to any church.
Info: Address: National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia, 1166 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19146. Phone: 215/546-8333. Web: www.SaintRitaShrine.org

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

‘Voices of Vatican II’ University of St. Francis - Joliet, Illinois

(Photos provided)

Destination: The University of St. Francis will commemorate 50 years of Vatican II with programs in art, lecture and music with the theme “Celebrating a Pilgrim People: The Voices of Vatican II.” The celebration will include an exhibit, “The World of Vatican II: An Artist’s Report,” by Franklin McMahon.
The image (left) is his “Vatican Council Procession.”
Why to go:  “The World of Vatican II: An Artist’s Report” by Franklin McMahon features the works of the artist-reporter from Lake Forest, who worked worldwide recording religious, cultural, and political events. His paintings and drawings have graced the covers of Chicago Tribune Magazine, and the pages of Life, Look, Jubilee, U.S. Catholic and Commonweal magazines. Highly recognized for his contributions to art and journalism, McMahon received three Emmys, a Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting and the Renaissance Prize from the Art Institute of Chicago. He is collected by the Chicago History Museum, Library of Congress, NASA and Lake County Discovery Museum.
McMahon was in Rome for opening day and all subsequent major events of the Second Vatican Council between 1962 and 1965 – producing a book “This Church These Times: The Roman Catholic Church since Vatican II,” and an award-winning film documentary, “The World of Vatican II, An Artist’s Report.”
McMahon’s works will be on display from Sept. 15 through Oct. 12, 2014, at the university’s art gallery at the Rialto, 5 Van Buren St. in downtown Joliet.
Special events: On Sept. 25, 2014, at 7 p.m., McMahon’s works will be discussed by his son, Mark McMahon and the curator for the artist, Kathleen Van Ella. The presentation will be at the university’s St. Bonaventure Hall (former Mode building), 16 Van Buren St., downtown Joliet. After the presentation, there will be a short walk to the gallery to view the exhibit with a reception. It is one of several Vatican II presentations that will be part of the 50 year anniversary event.
Admission: Hours vary. Special showings can also be arranged by calling call 815-740-3367.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Sure, kids can appreciate art. They might also enjoy a visit to the campus. Plan that stop at www.stfrancis.edu.
Info: Address: Rialto, 5 Van Buren St., Joliet, IL 60432 Phone: 815/740-3367. Web: www.stfrancis.edu (type City Center Gallery in the search box for more information)

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

Boys Town, Nebraska

(CNS photo/Susan Szalewski, Catholic Voice)

Destination: People have been touring Boys Town for nearly 100 years — since Father Edward Flanagan purchased land for the campus in what is now west Omaha and welcomed visitors. But now tourists have a whole new way of exploring the famed home for at-risk children — an interactive, smartphone guided tour. The electronic assistance makes a trip easier than ever.
Masses are offered in Dowd Chapel at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday, and at 7 and 11:40 a.m. Monday-Saturday.
Why to go:  If all you know about Boys Town comes from the 1938 movie starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney, then you’re ready for an update. Boys Town has about 100,000 visitors each year, including people attending Mass or classes, but it also draws visitors who are curious to learn about Boys Town’s founder, Father Edward Flanagan. (Tracy won an Oscar for portraying him, and the golden statuette is at Boys Town.) And Father Flanagan wanted visitors. “He always had big signs welcoming visitors. He wanted transparency. He had no large walls keeping kids in and visitors out,” says  Tom Lynch, director of community programs at Boys Town.
Smartphone users touring the campus can scan quick response (QRC) codes found on maps and signs at the village to read about famous sites there. Among those sites are Father Flanagan’s house, the Garden of the Bible, the Hall of History, a 22-bed rose garden tended by residents, and the Leon Myers Stamp Center, home to the world’s biggest ball of stamps.
A drive or stroll along the Village Drive offers lots of photo opportunities, no matter the season. No smartphone? No problem. There are CDs to rent or buy with tour information.
Amenities: For those who prefer a guide, they are available seven days a week, and student-led tours are an option. Ask about them at the gift shop.
Special events: In November and December, Boys Town celebrates Christmas. Check the website for details.
Admission: Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. The Mission is closed Easter Sunday and Monday, Thanksgiving, and from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26. Cost is $6.50 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children over 7, free  for children under 6.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course. It’s Boys Town.
Info: Address: Boys Town, 14100 Crawford St., Boys Town, NE 68010. Phone: 402/498-1300. Web: www.boystown.org

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

National Shrine of St. John Nepomucene Neumann - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

(Photo/www.stjohnneumann.org)

The Catholic World Meeting of Families will be held in Philadephia, Pennsylvania, Sept. 22-27, 2015. Learn more about the meeting at  www.worldmeeting2015.org/. In future issues, we’ll highlight shrines in the Philadephia area.
Destination: The national shrine at St. Peter the Apostle Parish (in photo) is the final resting place of St. John Nepomucene Neumann. Born in Bohemia, he came to America in 1836. He was ordained a priest in New York the same year, served as the fourth bishop of Philadelphia and was declared a saint in 1977 by Pope Paul VI.
Masses are offered in the lower church Monday-Saturday at 7:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. (in Spanish), and 3:30 p.m.; and in the upper church at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Why to go: The parish is where St. John Neumann asked to be buried. He was the first priest to profess vows as a Redemptorist in the U.S. and he wanted to be buried near the priests of his order. His body can be viewed in the lower level church, near the Shrine Museum. 
As a young man, he knew he wanted to become a missionary to America, so he learned English. Having studied Italian in seminary in Boehemia, he used that knowledge to minister to Italian immigrants. He founded the first national parish for Italians in the U.S. He also learned enough Irish to hear confessions in that language.
St. John also unified Philadelphia schools in a diocesan system and founded the Third Order of St. Francis of Glen Riddle.
Though St. John never lived at the church where he is buried, he visited there often. Built to serve a German immigrant population, it was consecrated in 1847, five years after property was bought for the parish.
Amenities: A gift shop is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Admission: Shrine hours are Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Museum hours are Monday-Friday, 8a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Depending on the time of year you visit, school may be in session. Visiting youngsters should be a little quiet as they visit the church and museum.
Info: Address: The National Shrine of St. John Neumann, 1019 N. Fifth St., Philadelphia, PA 19123. Phone: 215/627-3080 . Web: http://www.stjohnneumann.org/shrine.html

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

National Shrine of St. Therese - Juneau, Alaska

 (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

UPDATE-- This popular Alaskan retreat has been designated a national shrine by the U.S. bishops.
Bishop Edward J. Burns of Juneau, Alaska, announced the news on the Oct. 1, 2016, feast of St. Therese Lisieux, the patroness of Alaska after whom the Catholic shrine is named.
The National Shrine of St. Therese, located about 23 miles north of Juneau along Glacier Highway, has served as a place of spiritual refuge since its dedication in 1941.
"The shrine is a place of tremendous spiritual and natural beauty for all who visit," Bishop Burns said in a statement. "We are happy the bishops have confirmed what so many shrine visitors have felt in their hearts -- that the National Shrine of St. Terese, Juneau, is a gift from God and a treasure to all who pilgrim to her shore."


Destination:  There is no doubt that nature is a prime attraction at the Shrine of St. Therese. Thousands of visitors each year make the short drive from downtown Juneau to the 46-acre site, a forest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock overlooking waters of the Inside Passage and the Chilkat Range. The shrine, less than 25 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaksa, is open year-round.
Masses are in the Shrine Chapel at 1:30 p.m. every Sunday starting on the first Sunday after Memorial Day and ending on the first Sunday of September. Mass is also offered on other special occasions throughout the year.
Why to go:  When St. Therese, “the Little Flower,” was canonized in 1925, Bishop Raphael Crimont, SJ, also a French native, shared his devotion to her with Catholics in Alaska. The idea of the shrine came from Father William G. LeVasseur, SJ, and Bishop Crimont endorsed the effort.
Volunteers raised the first buildings and laid a causeway to connect parts of the island-shrine in the 1930s. Their generous gift of time was matched by gifts of materials from Juneau businesses. The depression-era shrine fell into disrepair, but efforts in the middle 1900s helped keep the shrine and grounds operational, but again it fell into disuse. It was closed in 1985, but volunteer efforts and donations reopened it in 1986.
Today it is on a Juneau “must see” list, along with fjords, glaciers and the Alaska State Museum.
Activities: The retreat grounds feature a labyrinth, memorial gardents, Good Shepherd rosary and grotto trail, and stations of the cross.
Amenities: In addition to prayerful retreats, the shrine also hosts weddings, funerals, family reunions and other events. Its lodge and cabins provide plenty of room for guests. There is also a gift and book shop.
Accessibility: Parts of the shrine are wheelchair accessible.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Without a doubt, this destination is ideal for the whole family.
Info: Address: Shrine of St. Therese, 415 Sixth St., Juneau, AK 99801-1020. Phone: 907/780-6112 Web: www.shrineofsainttherese.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld; Nancy Wiechec of CNS
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa - Doylestown, Pennsylvania

 (Photos/ www.czestochowa.us)

Destination:  If you plan a visit in the northeast anytime, plan a stop at this shrine in Doylestown, Pa. An exhibit about Our Lady of Czestochowa (“The Black Madona”) recently came to Holy Family Parish in Rockford, generating interest. Among the shrine’s thousands of visitors was St. John Paul II, who visited twice before he was elected pope.
Masses are Saturday 5 p.m. (English); Sunday, 8, 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Polish), and 9, 11 a.m., 2:30, 5 p.m. (English); weekdays, 7:30, 8, 11:30 a.m. (English). Check the website for holy day and holiday schedules.
Why to go:  The story of this American shrine began, according to its website, “in 1951 when Father Michael M. Zembrzuski, a priest in the Pauline Order from Poland, arrived on American soil.” Father Zembrzuski worked as a missionary during his first three years here, traveling to Polish parishes in the U.S. and Canada. His journeys made clear a need among “Polonia” to foster pride in their Polish heritage and culture. After gaining permission in late 1953 to establish a monastery in Doylestown, he also sought to develop a shrine. He had it weeks later.
On June 26, 1955, Father Stanley Nowak blessed and dedicated a small barn chapel to Our Lady of Czestochowa. The first recorded pilgrimage to the new shrine was from St. Laurentius Parish in Philadelphia for the dedication.
Activities: The shrine will host the 49th Polish-American Family Festival and Country Fair this year Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2014 (Labor Day Weekend), and Sept. 6-7, 2014.
Amenities: A cafeteria is open only on Sundays, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. There is also a gift shop on the grounds, open 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. daily.
(Grand) Kid friendly: This is an ideal stop during a car drive. The aerial view of the grounds shows plenty of room for walks (or quiet runs) with the kids. And don’t forget the festival.
Info: Address: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa
P.O. Box 2049, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901.Phone: 215/345-0600 Web: www.czestochowa.us

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

Technical difficulties, faith rewards

Since we arrived in Rome, I've been unable to post to the blog, but I've been putting some pictures on Facebook at The Observer Catholic Newspaper. Through the generosity of the folks at Catholic News Service, I am posting this short note.
I'll keep trying and will post more about our wonderful trip to Rome and Italy as soon as I can.
One of the best parts of being lost in the crowd Sunday for the canonizations, though, was the wonderful moment when thousands of Catholics from around the globe realized the Mass was starting and began to settle down where they were. Every one says alleluia. Every one says amen. We became the universal church together in Rome.
At the greeting of peace, people who were jostling and shoving and bickering before the Mass turned to each other smiled and shook hands. That was a wonderful moment of church.

-- Sharon Boehlefeld from Rome

Old and new in Tuscany

Two stops today married the historic and the contemporary of Italy, but before we traveled to Florence and San Gimignano, we started our day in the church just steps away from our Tuscan residence, the Hotel Villa San Lucchese outside of the town of Poggibonsi
Msgr. Kobbeman offered Mass in the historic San Lucchese Church, in which the saint it is named for is buried. In his homily, he reminded us that the Gospels in this Octave of Easter are still sending us the message of Easter, that Jesus died for us.

As he offered Mass, the lighting on the altar reminded us, too, that Jesus died for us. The shadow from the crucifix behind the altar seemed to show Jesus looking over Msgr. Kobbeman's shoulder.
We also had a treat from one of our number, Caroline Muller, who sang the Ave Marie for us at Communion. The lighted case that holds the remains of the saint is visible behind her in the fenced-off side altar.
Outside the church, the vista of vineyards and valleys on one side, vineyards and mountains on the other, makes it easy to understand why the Franciscan friars who live there settled on that particular view.

The church is also home to a spring festival, which will be taking place this weekend while we are in Rome.
After a short ride to Florence and a drop off near the center of the old part of the city, we had options for shopping, sightseeing and people watching. For many of us, the first stop was an indoor market that has been open since the late 1800's.
Later, we met at the Accademia Gallery of Florence, where Michelangelo's famous David is housed. Originally situated outside what is now the seat of city government, it was moved to the museum to protect it from damage and replica put on its outdoor pedestal. The museum was the only place we couldn't take pictures.
We also stopped at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the duomo, near the center of the old town.
The colors of the marble on the face of the church are symbols of the faith. The green marble stands for hope, the black for faith and the red for charity.

Then we walked a few blocks to the Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge in the city that was not destroyed in World War II. Both sides of the river are lined with colorful buildings.
After we left Florence, we traveled to San Gimignano, a remarkably intact medieval city, known for its tower houses, which at one time numbered in the 70s.
The tower-house builders wanted to remain inside the thick, protective walls of the city, but space there is at a premium. So, buildings had to go up.The city is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Today, modern shops line many of the avenues of the walled city, as today they do in the old parts of Florence.
Tuscany has already found a place in our hearts. No doubt, Friday's visit to Siena will further link us to this region of Italy.

-- Sharon Boehlefeld from Poggibonsi,Italy

First stop -- Pope John XXIII's birthplace

It's a tiny village, Sotto il Monte, -- under the mountains -- in  the he far north of Italy. And it's the birthplace of Pope John XXIII.
Our first stop was the church where he was baptized and later said Mass, but we also stopped at the family home in the village.

We had a wonderful tour of the rustic, courtyard house where he lived with 30 family members until he went to seminary at age 11.

Our guide for much of the tour was Father Giulio Mariani, PIME. A seminary for the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions is behind the old house, and is a repository of thousands of pieces of memorabilia relating to Pope John XXIII. The statue (left of Father Mariani) has a tradition -- and a shiny spot -- much like the statue of Lincoln's nose in Springfield, Illinois. Pilgrims, including those on our trip, rub the hand and forearm of the life-size statue.

But, by the time we had a wonderful lunch at the village's new cultural center about their native son and saint, got into a bus and drove six hours south to our destination, most of us had been awake for 24 hours or longer. I'll add details about the rest of the day later.

--Sharon Boehlefeld from Tuscany in Italy

Getting ready for Rome

St.Peter's Square (CNS/Reuters)

Getting ready for a trip abroad is challenging for someone like me who hasn’t been out of the U.S. since the last time my parents took me to Canada. And that was a long time ago. My more well-traveled friends have been willing to help me with suggestions – always be alert for pickpockets, take washcloths – and with equipment – electrical converters, passport holders.

For the trip to cover the canonization of popes John XXIII and John Paul II, our pilgrimage group from the Diocese of Rockford will arrive in time for the rainy month of April. Weather websites – I found are http://www.holiday-weather.com/rome/averages/april/ and http://www.accuweather.com/en/it/rome/213490/april-weather/213490 but there are others. These say we’ll have showers at least a couple of days during our stay, so the rain poncho and umbrella are going in my carry-on bag.

I’ve been doing some other research about traveling and I’ve actually found a couple of intriguing, and potentially helpful, web sites that might be useful for other novice travelers. Here are a few good articles:

To survive the flight, try some of these tips from Erica Ho. http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-long-haul-flight-with-finesse-1551468782

To pack better, read Lisa Lubin’s suggestions. http://www.llworldtour.com/how-to-pack-lighter/

For another take on packing – what to pack for women – here’s http://travelfashiongirl.com/10-piece-travel-essentials-packing-list-spring-2013/

And here’s a list for men that can be printed out on your computer. http://www.travelsmith.com/TravelSmith/US/TravelCenter/guide-packing-checklist/landing-path

This list also has some great packing reminders, though I know I won’t bring everything. http://www.vacation-lists.com/vacationpackingchecklists.html

I’m still looking for more information, but I believe the best advice I’ve heard so far comes from a frequent traveler to Italy who said, “You’ll love it.” 

I’m far from the only one getting ready for the canonization, though. According to this Catholic New Service story, the whole city it getting ready. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1401346.htm

--Sharon Boehlefeld

St. Fidelis Church - Victoria, Kansas

 (CNS photo/ Doug Weller, The Register)

Destination: Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger of Salina, Kan., received the news from the Vatican in early March that it had granted the diocese’s application to have St. Fidelis designated a minor basilica. It’s dedication as a basilica will be June 7. 
Masses are 5 p.m., Saturdays; 10 a.m., Sunday; 6:45 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 7 p.m., Monday and Wednesday.
Why to go: Visiting a basilica can provide Catholics with a plenary indulgence — remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for sins that have been forgiven.
The historic church’s 141-foot twin towers are easily seen from nearby Interstate 70, and about 16,000 people visit it each year. The Romanesque structure is 220 feet long, 110 feet wide at the transepts, 75 feet tall and seats 1,100. At the time of its dedication in 1911, it was considered the largest church in the state. Colored-glass windows made in Munich were installed in 1916, and stations of the cross were imported from Austria in 1917. The cost to build the church and furnish it totaled more than $95,000.Democratic presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan dubbed it the “Cathedral of the Plains” when he visited in 1912.
The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Since 1994, the parish has spent nearly $1 million on restoration, repairs and mechanical and physical updates.
It is also among the “8 Wonders of Kansas,” so named during a ceremony at the Capitol in Topeka in January 2008.
Amenities: Guided tours are available for people who call the parish office several days ahead of time.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Absolutely.
Info: Address: St. Fidelis Church, 601 10th St., Victoria, KS 67671. Phone: 785/735-2777 Web: http://www.stfidelischurch.com/

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

Two popes to be canonized April 27

On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, Pope Francis will recognize the sainthood of two of his predecessors -- John XXIII and John Paul II -- in a canonization ceremony.

Pope John XXII (left) and Pope John Paul II will be canonized April 27.

Canonization, according the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website, is "the formal process by which the Church declares a person to be a saint and worthy of veneration universally."
Catholic News Service reported that Pope Francis had been considering Dec. 8, 2013, but was concerned about the possibility that icy roads could have made it difficult for Polish pilgrims traveling by bus to Rome for the ceremony.
The other option, he said, was Divine Mercy Sunday, a celebration instituted worldwide by Pope John Paul.
Reporters on the plane taking the pope to Brazil for World Youth Day last July asked him to describe the two late popes.
Pope Francis said Blessed John was "a bit of the 'country priest,' a priest who loves each of the faithful and knows how to care for them; he did this as a bishop and as a nuncio."
He was holy, patient, had a good sense of humor and, especially by calling the Second Vatican Council, was a man of courage, Pope Francis said. "He was a man who let himself be guided by the Lord."
As for Blessed John Paul, Pope Francis told the reporters on the plane, "I think of him as 'the great missionary of the church," because he was "a man who proclaimed the Gospel everywhere."
Look for coverage of the Rockford Diocesan pilgrimage to the canonization, here, in April.
You'll also be able to follow us on Facebook at The Observer Catholic Newspaper.

--Sharon Boehlefeld 

(CNS photos)

Spanish Missions - San Antonio, Texas

Destination: There are plenty of reasons to visit San Antonio,
Mass times vary at the missions. For details, check http://oldspanishmissions.org and click on Mass Schedule at the Missions.
The map (left) is available online at  http://oldspanishmissions.org. The missions are Mission San Jose (top) and Mission Concepcion (below).
Why to go: The history of the Catholic faith in the Americas is closely tied to the history of Spanish missions, including the five in San Antonio. In January,  the U.S. nominated the missions for World Heritage site status. Four of them are part of  the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, through a partnership with the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The Alamo, called “The Shrine of Texas Liberty,” is operated separately as a state historical site. According to the National Park Service, Mission Concepcion marked the 250th anniversary of its dedication in 2005 and is the only one of the five missions that has its original roof and walls intact, so its interior frescoes retain remnants of their original colors.
Texas. Even the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has selected it for meetings. But a key reason is to see the missions there — and we don’t mean the minor league baseball team (although they might be worth a visit, too). We mean the Spanish missions of San Antonio — San Jose, Concepcion, San Juan, Espada and San Antonio de Valero, which you probably know as the Alamo.
The park service recommends setting aside two to four hours for the free guided tours, movies, and demonstrations at the missions.
Hours: The four NPS shrines  are open 9 a.m.-5 pm. daily, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Jan. 1.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Absolutely.
Info: Address: Old Spanish Missions, Inc., P.O. Box 7804, San Antonio, TX 78207-0804 Phone: 210/357-5601. Web: http://oldspanishmissions.org or http://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm

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

We're going to Rome!

(CNS photo/Paul Haring)

The Observer's features and multimedia editor Sharon Boehlefeld will be accompanying Msgr. Gerald Kobbeman and other pilgrims on the Rockford Diocese's official pilgrimage to Italy this April for the canonization of Popes John XXIII and John-Paul II.
Watch here starting April 23 as she reports from the trip.

Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation - Carey, Ohio

(Photos/ www.olcshrine.com)

Destination: For 100 years, the Conventual Franciscan Friars have served this church in the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio. Today’s church sits across the street from the original building.
Mass times vary at the Basilica Church. From Nov. 1 through Palm Sunday, Sunday Masses are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. From Easter through Oct. 31, Sunday Masses are at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. Year-round, Masses are at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. weekdays.
Why to go: Pilgrims have traveled to the basilica and shrine since 1875. Devotion to Mary as Our Lady of Consolation goes back to the second century. The shrine website says, “In 1652, the pope fostered devotion to Our Lady under this title by establishing a confraternity. The devotion spread to the United States, and the first shrine to Our Lady of Consolation was built in Carey, Ohio.” The church commissioned a replica of a statue of Our Lady from Luxembourg, which arrived in 1875. In addition to the basilica, there is also a park where pilgrims may stroll, sit and pray.
Amenities: The shrine includes both a gift shop and a retreat house. Hours of the shop are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. The shop is also open 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, although it closes during 2:30 p.m. devotions. It also closes from noon to 3 p.m. on Good Friday.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are welcome to visit. The retreat house even offers retreats for teens.
Info: Address: Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, 315 Clay St., Carey, OH 43316. Phone: 419/396-7107. Web: www.olcshrine.com

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

Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo - Carmel, California

(Photos/www.carmelmission.org)

Destination: In California, following the trail of Blessed Junipero Serra, leads travelers to the many missions he founded. Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo is one of those missions.
Masses are offered in the Basilica Church at 5:30 p.m. Saturday; 7:30, 9:15, 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Sunday. Weekday Masses are in Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 7 a.m., 12  noon and 5:30 p.m.
Why to go: The Carmel mission is special, in part, because among the history and relics in its five museums is the cell in which Father Serra died. The Basilica Church at the mission is also a registered National Historic Landmark. The museums on the grounds include The Harry Downie Museum, which tells the story of the church restoration and Downie’s role in it; the Munras Family Heritage Museum, which displays keepsakes of an important Monterey family; the Jo Mora Chapel Gallery, where the Serra Memorial Cenotaph is housed; the Convento Museum, which is where Father Serra died. In the basilica, there are dislays of Spanish Colonial liturgial art and artifacts.
Amenities: A museum store offers a variety of religious items.
Admission: Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. The Mission is closed Easter Sunday and Monday, Thanksgiving, and from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26. Cost is $6.50 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children over 7, free  for children under 6.
(Grand) Kid friendly: This is a working parish so children are more than welcome, but should be considerate of students at the parish school.
Info: Address: Carmel Mission Basilica, 3080 Rio Road Carmel, California 93923 Phone: 831/624-1271 Web: www.carmelmission.org

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