Basilica and National Shrine of The Little Flower - Royal Oak, Michigan

 (CNS photo/courtesy National Shrine of the Little Flower Parish)

Destination: The National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak has been raised to national prominence again, being designated by the Vatican as the second minor basilica in Michigan and the 82nd in the United States.
Masses are 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturdays; 7:30, 9, 10:45 a.m., 12:30, 4 (Spanish) and 6 p.m. Sundays; and 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. weekdays.
Why to go: In 1998, the U.S. bishops designated it as a national shrine to St. Therese of Lisieux, known as the “Little Flower.”
The basilica honor was conferred by the pope through the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments after a years-long application process.
The Chapel of the Little Flower, which connects the tower and church at the National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak, Mich., features dozens of first-class relics of saints and visitors find it provides a peaceful place for prayer.
With its Art Deco-style architecture, it features an octagonal-shaped church with the altar in the center of the congregation. The placement of the altar dates to the early 1930s, making the shrine’s church one of the first in the Detroit Archdiocese to adopt such an orientation.
Extras: A gift shop is staffed by volunteers, but you can look at items online through the website. Tours are also available; get the details on the website.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are always welcome.
Info: Address: The National Shrine of the Little Flower, 2100 W. 12 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073-3910. Phone: 248/541-4122. Web: www.shrinechurch.com

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld; CNS contributed to this story
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