Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

(Photos/ http://cammonline.org)

Destination: An outgrowth of a devotion to Mary, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was established for the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia. The CAMM was formed in 1915 and directed by its founder, Father Joseph Skelly, CM. Each Monday since 1927, nine novena services are held. Check the website for details.
Masses  are 9 a.m. Sunday; 12:05 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 7 and 9 a.m., 12:05 and 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Photos: Left--The shrine is housed in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
Right--A mosaic at the shrine shows an image of the first apparition of Mary and the medal to St. Catherine Labouré in Paris, Nov.  27, 1830.
Why to go: The shrine on the west side of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, which had been dedicated to St. Vincent de Paul, was enlarged, remodeled and rededicated to Mary the Immaculate. Father Skelly, considered it the “center and heart” of CAMM.
Hours: During the World Meeting of Families, Sept. 20-28, shrine hours are Monday: 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 8-10 a.m. The website lists regular hours. There will be historical tours on Saturdays until Oct. 3.Extras: Near the shrine is the the Museum of the Miraculous Medal Shrine, containing more than 500 pieces of religious art, ranging in date, technique, origin, and subject. The museum is at 475 E. Chelten Ave. Museum hours are 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, or by  appointment by calling 215/848-1010.
Accessibility: As the top picture shows, there are stairs to the main shrine entrance, but it is accessible to the handicapped.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course.
Info: Address — Miraculous Medal Shrine, 500 E. Chelten Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144 Phone — 215/848-1010 Web — http://cammonline.org

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