National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe -- Dallas, Texas

Destination: The Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, located in the heart of downtown Dallas, has long been known as a landmark in the Diocese of Dallas for its enduring cultural and faith-filled significance, drawing pilgrims from across north Texas and beyond. 

Now, the long beloved diocesan landmark is also a national shrine. 

Bishop Edward J. Burns of Dallas announced Oct. 3 that the cathedral had been granted the significant designation of a national shrine by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. On Dec. 12, the parish community welcomed tens of thousands for a special Mass that day to honor the cathedral’s new status. 

On the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, all hours celebrate the cathedral's patron. Activities include mañanitas in the early morning, the Spanish colonial traditional matachines dance, and an evening blessing of flowers. 

Any day of the year, the cathedral is well worth a visit. 

Photos: Top — The National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, shown in an undated photo, was designated as a national shrine by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Dallas Bishop Edward J. Burns announced the new status Oct. 3 (OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz).

Bottom — National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe (OSV News photo/Santos Martinez, courtesy The Texas Catholic)

Why to go: “This cathedral has been a sanctuary for countless souls, a place of worship and a center for spiritual growth,” says Father Belmontes, the cathedral’s rector. 

“Its architecture and history serve as an architectural analog of God’s grace as it continues the mission to serve the needs of its parishioners, the diocese, and the community at large.”

Admission: Parking fees may apply, and the parish has a gift shop open on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays; see times at https://www.cathedralguadalupe.org/giftshop/giftshop.html

Accessibility: An elevator is available for easy access to the floors, and although there are many stairs, a wheelchair ramp gives the campus full accessibility. 

The most convenient parking is located right next to the cathedral at Hall Arts Garage, with entrances on Pearl St. and Crockett St. Parking is validated if you visit the gift shop or attend a parish-sponsored Mass. Free street parking is available on Flora St. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! 

Info: Address — National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 2215 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone — 214-871-1362
Website — https://www.cathedralguadalupe.org/index.html

—By Michael Gresham, OSV News. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

'Catacombs by Candlelight' -- Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, New York, N.Y.

Destination: “Catacombs by Candlelight” perhaps conjures images of a subterranean tour in Rome led by a guide wearing a headlamp. In New York, it’s the name of a history lesson told while exploring the cemetery and burial vaults of one of the city’s oldest Catholic churches. At the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, the tour’s tone is respectful and the candles are battery-operated LED models. 

Frank Alfieri, the basilica’s director of cemetery and columbaria, said the tours were established in 2017 to communicate the basilica’s historical significance; it has been an active mainstay of the lower Manhattan area for more than 200 years. 

The tours also are a form of evangelization. “Any time you can get somebody into a church, there is a possibility you can evangelize, even nonverbally. A church gives you a small glimpse of heaven,” Alfieri says.

Eight 80-minute tours are conducted five days a week for groups as large as 40. 

Photos: Top — Members of a tour group explore the catacombs of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in New York City Oct. 15 (OSV News photos/Gregory A. Shemitz).

Bottom — A tour enters the undercroft of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. 

Why to go: The candlelight tours “shine” for history buffs and visitors of faith alike. A highlight of the tour is the original grave of Haitian-born sainthood candidate Pierre Toussaint, declared venerable in 1996. He came to New York as an enslaved man. As a freeman, he was a successful hairdresser and devoted himself to helping the poor and sick. 

Historic headstones in the cemetery date back to 1803. In the catacombs, vaults contain the mortal remains of New York Catholics of Irish, German, French and Spanish heritage. A single ornate mausoleum was built for Gen. Thomas Eckert, a confidant of Abraham Lincoln and later an executive at Western Union.

Admission: Tickets range from $30-37. Check in at the TNY Kiosk in the courtyard of 32 Prince St.

Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair-accessible. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course — perfect for an adventurous child! They might enjoy seeing the three sheep who seasonally control the grass in the cemetery. 

Info: Address — Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, 263 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
Phone — 212-300-7682
Email — info@takeawalk.com
Website — https://takeawalk.com/old-cathedral-tours/

—By Beth Griffin, OSV News. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Starved Rock State Park -- Oglesby, Ill.

See God at work in autumn beauty at Starved Rock State Park. 

Destination: Jesus “set before me the book of nature,” St. Thérèse of Lisieux wrote in her Story of a Soul, remembering the joy of childhood walks with her family. Fall’s changing colors extend a new invitation to us to read and know God in this “book of nature.” 

This time of year, New England forests steal the show with their warm quiltwork of rich reds and bright oranges.  But that’s not the only place to find fall colors! 

Mixbook, a photo book brand based in California, aims to reveal the “hidden gems” of autumn beauty. This August, the company surveyed 3,000 people around the United States to find the top 150 “under-the-radar” fall destinations. Starved Rock State Park  was voted as Illinois’ top “hidden gem” and landed at #24 on the list (https://www.mixbook.com/inspiration/fall-foliage-americas-hidden-gems).

Starved Rock State Park is open daily from 7 a.m.-sunset and is free for all to enjoy. 

Photos: Top — Leaves paint dots of oranges and golds over a waterfall at Aurora Canyon in Starved Rock State Park. The trail to the canyon is .2 miles long and starts at the Starved Rock Lodge (Photos/Wikimedia Commons, uploaded by B3thedw).

Bottom — Fall colors are abundant even on simple trails. 

Why to go: St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Hildegard of Bingen, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John of the Cross and Pope St. John Paul II are just a few saints whose writings on creation have guided the Church throughout the world. Take some time on the trail to pray — you’ll be in good heavenly company. 

If you’re looking for a Mass on the road, Catholic churches are within 15 minutes of the park. 

St. Mary Parish, at 303 S. Division St. in North Utica, is seven minutes away. The church holds weekday Masses at 7 a.m., Saturday vigil Mass at 5 p.m. and Sunday Masses at 8 and 10 a.m.

Holy Family Parish, at 311 N. Woodland Ave in Oglesby, is 11 minutes away. The church holds Mass on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 a.m., Saturday vigil Mass at 4 p.m. and Sunday Masses at 8 and 10 a.m. 

Accessibility: Trails are relatively short; most are 0-2 miles. Staircases and rest benches are placed throughout the park. (Trolley tours and boat rides are also provided as non-hiking options.) Service dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash, cleaned up after and provided water. Parking lots are busiest from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course — just look at what St. Thérèse remembered from her childhood!

Info: Address — Starved Rock State Park (visitor center), 2678 E. 873 Rd., Oglesby, IL 61348
Phone — 815-667-4211
Website — https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/starved-rock-state-park/

—By Megan Peterson, features/multimedia editor, with information from Mixbook provided by Penny Wiegert, editor. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Adoration Chapels -- Diocese of Rockford, Ill.

Destination: Ready for a pilgrimage? 

Parish pilgrimages abound all times of year, but as the new school year gets started and schedules start to fill with commitments, a peaceful day trip or weekend at a shrine may seem out of reach. Maybe, at the end of the day, you only have free time after 10 at night — or later. 

None of that is an obstacle for God, though, who rejoices when we spend time with Him! 

Eighteen adoration chapels around the Diocese of Rockford ensure that we are never too far from Him. Perpetual adoration hours (or nighttime hours) welcome us amid our “hustle and bustle” and invite us to a time of quiet prayer. 

Photos: Top — The adoration chapel at Holy Cross Parish, Batavia, is located in the church building left of the main sanctuary altar (Photo provided).

Bottom — A stained-glass window at St. Mary Parish, Huntley, depicts St. Clare (the founder of the Poor Clares) repelling the Saracen invaders with the Blessed Sacrament (Photo provided/Maria Maddox).

Why to go: Venerable Fulton J. Sheen is quoted as saying, “We become like that which we gaze upon;” by spending time with God, we become more like Him. Ideas for a Holy Hour (or any length of time before the Blessed Sacrament or in another quiet place) include reading Scripture, listening to worship music, journaling, or simply sitting and talking with God. 

Accessibility: Not all of the chapels are open 24/7, and some have different weekend hours. Many of the chapels use key codes. Visit or call the parish office ahead of time for the code. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! After school (and maybe after some time at the playground) might be a good time for them to stop for even a quick prayer before Jesus. 

Info: This year, The Observer published a special 24-page bilingual booklet about the diocese’s adoration chapels, the Eucharist and adoration. “Holy Time with God” includes a map, locations and open times for each of the 18 chapels. 

You can download copies of the booklet for free (in PDF format) by visiting https://observer.rockforddiocese.org/files/files/Special%20Sections/2023%20EuchRev%20-WEB.pdf or by clicking the image in the yellow box on The Observer website at https://observer.rockforddiocese.org/index

—By Megan Peterson, features/multimedia editor, with some information provided by Amanda Hudson. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

National Shrine of St. Thérèse — Darien, Ill.

Destination: The Observer is no stranger to the National Shrine of St. Thérèse in Darien, a pleasant day trip away from the Rockford Diocese. Years ago, when we featured this shrine, it held the largest collection of relics and memorabilia of St. Thérèse of Lisieux outside of France — and it still does! Now the shrine is also home to a “family reunion” of the relics of St. Thérèse’s parents, SS. Louis and Zélie Martin. 

The shrine is hosting the traveling relics from Sept. 17 through St. Thérèse’s feast day Oct. 1. Daily hours  during this time are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (Typically, these are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.). The Society of the Little Flower, who sponsors both the shrine and the visit, encourages guests to visit before Oct. 1, when large crowds are expected. 

Daily Mass is offered Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m.

Photos: Top — Visitors view the Centennial Reliquary of St. Thérèse and the reliquary of her parents, SS. Louis and Zélie Martin. The national shrine in Darien is hosting the relics for two weeks through Oct. 1 (Photo provided/https://www.littleflower.org/national-shrine-and-museum-of-st-therese/).

Bottom — The entrance of the National Shrine of St. Thérèse (Photo/Wikimedia Commons).

Why to go: SS. Louis and Zélie (Guerin) Martin married in 1858 after individually attempting to enter religious vocations. They had nine children, and all five who survived infancy entered religious life. Together the couple strove to raise their children with love and virtue and taught them to seek holiness through the devotions of the Church. They were beatified in 2009. 

The shrine and museum include highlights like photographs and paintings of scenes from St. Thérèse’s life, a prayer gazebo, and a full-sized exact replica of her convent cell which includes several second-class relics. 

Admission: Unless visiting in a tour program, admission is always free and no reservation is needed. 

Accessibility: The shrine and the retreat center are wheelchair-accessible. Ample parking is available.  

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! They might enjoy finding the map of North America that St. Thérèse made when she was 12. Just like them, the “Little Flower” was once small too.

Info: Address — National Shrine of St. Therese, 8501 Bailey Road, Darien, IL 60561 
Phone — 800-621-2806
Website — https://www.littleflower.org/national-shrine-and-museum-of-st-therese/

—By Megan Peterson, features/multimedia editor, with some information provided by Sharon Boehlefeld. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Marian Library -- University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio

Destination: A research library at an Ohio university houses what it calls “the largest dedicated collection of materials on Mary in the world” — and its doors are as open as the Blessed Mother’s arms.

Founded in 1943, the Marian Library lives up to its motto of “De Maria numquam satis” (“Never enough about Mary”). Its books, periodicals, articles, prints and religious artifacts — combined with resources in an array of disciplines, including patristics, biblical studies, Church history, spirituality, hymnography and iconography — represent 100 languages and form an impressive repository that only one institution can match, said Sarah Cahalan, executive director, to OSV News. 

“It’s not a competition, but obviously the Vatican had a significant head start,” she admitted.

Photos: Top — The Marian Library includes scrapbooks containing vintage Marian holy cards and archival newspaper clippings (OSV News photos/Marian Library, University of Dayton).

Bottom — A student visits the exhibition “A Vision of Art and Faith” at the Marian Library. 

Why to go: The Marian Library is hosting the art exhibit “East Meets West,” which features selections from the library’s Ukrainian Marian Collection, which was established in 1981 by past Marian Library employee Helen (Halyna) Nkolyshyn. The exhibit runs through Nov. 10.  

For Nkolyshyn, who died in 2000, assembling the Ukrainian Marian Collection was a “passion project,” said Cahalan. “Her family had to leave Ukraine because of religious persecution, and her work has become increasingly relevant again.” Seeing Mary through fresh eyes is a goal of the Marian Library, she said.

Admission: The Marian Library welcomes all visitors, including those with no University of Dayton affiliation, and is open Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on weekends and holidays. 

Accessibility: The main entrance is wheelchair-accessible, and elevators connect all the floors. Accessible restrooms and water fountains are on each floor. Service animals are welcome.   

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! The library’s website provides “Fun and Games with Mary” under its “Collections” tab. These include a matching game (printable and digital options), coloring pages and digital jigsaw puzzles.

Info: Address — Marian Library, Roesch Library, University of Dayton, 300 College Park Dr., Dayton, Ohio. 

Phone — 937-229-4221

Website — https://udayton.edu/marianlibrary/index.php

—By Gina Christian, OSV News. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Our Lady of Victory Parish and St. Francis Xavier Parish -- Cape Cod, Mass.

Destination: With summer vacation time underway, some may choose to wend their way to “Old Cape Cod.” Some may not realize there are many small towns along the hook-shaped land. But if you happen to visit this part of the Diocese of Fall River on a weekend, here are two of several options for Mass.

Mass times: Our Lady of Victory — Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.; Saturday, 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7, 9 and 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m.; St. Francis Xavier —  Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.; Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Portuguese; 9 and 11 a.m., English; 1 p.m., Spanish. 

Photos: First — Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville, Mass., is in a park-like setting with ample parking for visitors (Observer photos/Sharon Boehlefeld).

Second — On the grounds near Our Lady of Victory Parish is a memorial to babies who died before birth (right).

Third — St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, Mass., abuts the street, but has plenty of room inside the cross-shaped church.

Fourth — An inconspicuous sign near a fence post in front of St. Francis Xavier, explains its connection to the Kennedy family.

Why to go: Both parishes offer a flavor of life on Cape Cod and serve both year-round parishioners and seasonal visitors. 

Our Lady of Victory was founded in 1957 and held its first Masses in the newly completed church basement.

St. Francis Xavier was founded as St. Patrick Parish in 1874 and became St. Francis Xavier in 1903. It has served a variety of immigrant groups over the years. 

The church in Hyannis was close to the home of Rose and Joseph Kennedy Sr., and has been the summer parish of their family members since then. 

Accessibility: Each parish has ample parking and handicapped access. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: Like any parish, visitors of all ages are welcome.

Info: Address — Our Lady of Victory Parish, 230 S. Main St., Centerville, MA 02632 
Phone — 773-925-6600 (ext. 6626)
Website — https://olvparish.org/

St. Francis Xavier Parish, 347 South St., Hyannis, MA 02601 
Phone — 508-775-0818
Website — https://www.sfxhyannis.org/

—By Sharon Boehlefeld, staff contributor. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel -- Chicago, Ill.

Destination: For members of St. Rita of Cascia Parishes in Aurora and Rockford, their parish patron’s feast day is coming up on May 22. The national shrine dedicated to her is getting ready to celebrate with a novena, Masses and a blessing with her relic — but all of that is over 12 hours away in Philadelphia!

Fortunately, a small, peaceful shrine is tucked away in St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago, just an hour or so away from Aurora and Rockford. 

Novenas, Mass and confessions are held on the first Thursday of each month at the shrine, starting at 6 p.m. (confessions at 6 p.m., and novena and Mass at 7 p.m.). 

Photos: Top — Augustinian Father Jack Tierney welcomes visitors to the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in a video on the shrine’s website (Observer screengrab/ Megan Peterson).

Bottom — One of the shrine’s mosaics depicts St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (Photo/ St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel).

Why to go: The shrine was established in 1905 and moved to its current location in 1990. It has been served by Augustinian friars since 1907, who continue to serve the shrine and the school today. 

The shrine holds a mix of new and original art and artifacts. A reliquary holds a first-class relic of St. Rita  of Cascia. Hanging banners and stained-glass windows tell the life story of the 15th-century wife, mother, widow and Augustinian nun, known as the patron saint of impossible causes who aids those in times of difficulty.  

Mosaics and statues around the chapel also depict nine saints, including new saints like St. Pope John Paul II and St. Teresa of Calcutta. 

Admission: There is no cost to visit, though hours are infrequent due to the school schedule. An email list is the best way to find out about new events; sign up at https://tinyurl.com/4bcpy5rp or email shrine@stritahs.com with any questions. 

Accessibility: The school campus is designed to be wheelchair-accessible for students. Ramps and elevators (as needed) are present. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: The chapel is housed in a kid-friendly school already, so they are welcome! And, better yet, if your grandson has the opportunity to meet one of the friars, he may be opened to the idea of discerning religious life.  

Info: Address — St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Ave. Chicago, Ill.  

Phone — 773-925-6600 (ext. 6626) 

Website — https://www.stritashrinechicago.com/

—By Megan Peterson, features/multimedia editor. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Terra Sancta Museum -- Jerusalem, Israel

Destination: Objects cared for by the Franciscans in the Holy Land, including a collection of 13 church bells discovered hidden in Bethlehem and dating back to the Middle Ages, have traveled to some of the great museums of the world.  

But now they will have a permanent home in Jerusalem as the Custody of the Holy Land moves forward toward creating a new “Historical Section” of its popular Terra Sancta Museum, which opened to the public in 2017.

Photos: Top — Franciscans in the Holy Land are advancing the next phase of the Terra Sancta Museum, which will add many more religious art objects and artifacts to the museum's collections (OSV News photos/ Tom Tracy).

Bottom — The museum includes a collection of some 450 earthenware pharmaceutical pots from the 17th and 18th centuries. The first “friar-doctor” sent to the Holy Land by Pope Pius II arrived in 1460. 

Why to go: The museum is situated at the Church of the Flagellation, the first station of the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. Until now, that area has been limited to archeological artifacts from the first millennium.

The new section will be at the heart of the Franciscan headquarters in St. Saviour’s Monastery. Its rare collections of paintings, sculptures, archival documents, gifts from European courts — even a 13th-century gilded copper crosier of the bishop of Bethlehem — will help pilgrims to deepen their knowledge of the sanctuaries and discover the beauty of the liturgy in the Holy Land.

A multimedia section offers a 15-minute tour in English, Spanish, Italian, Polish and other languages. 

Admission: The museum is open daily; hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in the summer (April-Sept.) and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the winter (Oct.-March). Prices are given in Israeli New Shekels (NIS). One NIS is roughly $0.28. Regular prices are 15 NIS ($4.20) per person, and reduced prices are listed at https://www.terrasanctamuseum.org/en/visit-us/

Accessibility: Barrier-free access to the Flagellation Monastery is available from the Via Dolorosa street, and the multimedia section is handicap-accessible. However, there are no restrooms available. Animals are not allowed.

(Grand) Kid friendly: The museum calls for a quiet, respectful atmosphere, but holds educational camps for local children — so kids are welcome. If you have a history buff in the making, they may enjoy some activities you bring to fit the exhibits, like a coloring page for drawing the pattern on a piece of pottery, for example.  

Info: Address — Terra Sancta Museum, Via Dolorosa St. 1, Jerusalem, Israel  

Phone — +972 2-627-0467 

Website — https://www.terrasanctamuseum.org/en/

—By Tom Tracy. Tracy writes for OSV News from Florida. He was on location in Jerusalem visiting Christian holy sites.

Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Stations of the Cross at the Cloisters on the Platte -- Gretna, Neb.

Destination: During Lent, the Stations of the Cross guide us through Jesus’ Passion and death. At the Cloisters on the Platte, the Stations come to life in life-sized bronze statues by many artists, placed over a 2,500-foot-long walking path — the same distance as the Jesus traveled from His sentencing to His crucifixion, known as the Via Dolorosa, or the Sorrowful Way.

Grounds hours are Mondays-Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Sundays, 2-5 p.m. 

Photos: Top — Simon of Cyrene is compelled to bear Jesus’ cross as his wife protests in anguish. A virtual tour and reflection on the bronze life-size Stations is available on the Cloisters on the Platte website. (Photos/ The Cloisters on the Platte)

Bottom — Veronica wipes Jesus’ face. 

Why to go: The Cloisters on the Platte includes more than the Stations of the Cross; it’s a quiet retreat center that holds men’s and women’s weekend retreats every few weeks. It was founded by billionaire Joe Ricketts after he attended a silent retreat, where he rediscovered his faith and values in an experience he called life-changing. 

Retreats are free for participants and are in high demand; retreats into early next year are filled. But the Stations are open when retreats are not in session. 

Admission: Visitors are encouraged to make donations of $10 or more; they will receive a complementary audio tour of the Stations. Parking is available in the lot across from the main gate and visitors can use the Cloisters’ shuttle service throughout the day. 

Accessibility: The Stations are wheelchair-accessible, and visitors may use manual and electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and mobility aids such as crutches. Landscaping stones are placed along the trail for rest spots during the walk. Clearly-marked service animals are allowed, but not pets. There are no outdoor restrooms and no trams or golf carts for tours.  

(Grand) Kid friendly: You may encourage little ones to walk quietly, though the Stations are closed during silent retreats. But they can benefit from the prayerful experience, whether during an in-person tour or online at https://cloistersontheplatte.com/visit-the-stations/virtual-tour/. 

Info: Address — Cloisters on the Platte, 23332 Fishery Rd., Gretna, Neb.  

Phone — 402-509-6250 

Website — https://cloistersontheplatte.com/

—Megan Peterson compiled this story. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal -- Philadelphia, Pa.

Destination: We featured the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in 2015 to look ahead to the World Meeting of Families, held in Philadelphia that year. 

It’s now time for an update because of a small yet significant name change made in the last week of January, one that has brought “great joy” to the Philadelphia Archdiocese, according to Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez: the Vatican has elevated the shrine to the status of minor basilica. 

The Vatican decree recognizes the Marian shrine’s historical significance in the eastern U.S. and its over-140 years of ministry by the priests and brothers of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians). 

Masses are at 9 a.m. Sunday; 12:05 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 9 a.m., 12:05 and 6:30 p.m. Monday.

Photo: The Vatican designated the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal as a minor basilica Jan. 25. (OSV News photo/ courtesy Central Association of the Miraculous Medal)

Why to go: Only one other church in the city of Philadelphia shares this basilica designation. But what does it mean?

Churches are noted as minor basilicas to recognize their historical or cultural importance, artistic beauty and significance in the life of the Church. The title also denotes a closer relationship to the pope. 

That connection to the pope will bring two additions to the shrine’s interior for papal visits. Keep an eye out for an ombrellino, a canopy of yellow and red silk (like an umbrella); and a tintinnabulum, a bell mounted on a pole. 

The shrine has much to see and do; join the Miraculous Medal Perpetual Novena, which has continued each Monday uninterrupted since 1930; visit the gift shop; or head to the nearby Art Museum of the Miraculous Medal Shrine at 475 E. Chelten Ave. The museum (temporarily closed) holds over 400 pieces of Marian art. Call 215-848-1010 to check hours or make an appointment. 

Admission: Visiting the shrine is free; gift shop prices vary. A form at https://miraculousmedal.org/visit-us/visit-form/ will help shrine staff with planning your visit. A secure parking lot is available (and open to buses) at Magnolia St. and Chelten Ave. The shrine is also easily accessible by public transportation. 

Accessibility: Parts of the shrine are wheelchair-accessible (through separate doors), but there are stairs to the main shrine entrance and some parts of the interior are raised. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! 

Info: Address — Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, 500 E. Chelten Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Phone — 215-848-1010 

Website — https://miraculousmedal.org/

—Provided by OSV News. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Silent Night Chapel -- Oberndorf, Salzburg, Austria

Destination: The Christmas song “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”) may have put the town of Oberndorf, Austria, on the map, but it’s the chapel memorializing the beloved carol that is the town’s main attraction.

Best seen blanketed in snow, the small octagonal-shaped chapel, just 13 miles from Salzburg, is a tourist destination any time of year.

Photo: The Silent Night Chapel is best seen blanketed in snow. (CNS photo/courtesy www.stillenacht.com)

Why to go: With a storied past, the song plays a key role in a small Alpine town, a brief ceasefire during World War I and a beloved local debut.

The poem of “Silent Night” was written in 1816 by Father Joseph Mohr while living in Mariapfarr, Austria. The song, with music written by Francis Xavier Gruber, made its debut Dec. 24, 1818, at St. Nikola Church. The church’s organ was broken, so Father Mohr played guitar while he and the parish organist Gruber sang. 

The Silent Night Chapel marks the site where St. Nikola Church stood before floods in the 1890s. Construction on the memorial chapel began in 1924 and it was completed  Aug. 15, 1937, the feast of the Assumption.

On Christmas Eve in 1914, during World War I, the song prompted a cease-fire as French and British troops faced off against German troops in Flanders, Belgium. “Silent Night” was the only carol they all knew. The soldiers met briefly to sing, play games and trade goods.

The town is very walkable; check out the Salzach River, the Silent Night Post Office and more. Depending on when you visit, you can go to the Christmas Market starting in mid-November.

You can also take in the sights and sounds of the Silent Night Chapel without stepping on a plane. Hear “Silent Night” being sung in the chapel at bit.ly/3WpnvTV and view a 360-degree panorama for “Stille Nacht Kapelle Oberndorf” at https://www.salzburgerland.com/de/stille-nacht-kirchen-360-panorama/

When to go: If you’re planning a Christmas visit (and are ready to brave crowds), make sure to get to the chapel by 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Since 1953, the chapel has commemorated the song with an annual performance. 

Admission: There is no admission fee, though the Silent Night Museum nearby has a gift shop with Christmas ornaments, books and postcards. 

Accessibility: The chapel is reached by steps and sits on a slight (non-fenced) hill. With another person’s help, those using wheelchairs or strollers may be able to visit.

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! You may want to check with the museum beforehand if your little ones want to sing inside, though. 

Info: Address — Stille Nacht-Platz 1, 5110 Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria  

Phone — +43 6272 4422 

Website — https://www.stillenacht.com/

— By Ann Augherton, OSV News. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe -- Des Plaines, Ill.

Destination: On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines welcomes thousands of pilgrims for celebrations including many Masses, rosaries, mañanitas, fireworks and more. 

The shrine is also a peaceful and prayerful place to visit year-round (without needing to brave the winter weather).

Photos: Top — The faithful lay bouquets of flowers at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, Dec. 11, 2020, shortly before Mary’s image was temporarily moved to the nearby Marian Chapel. (CNS photo/ Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic)

Bottom — Father Esequiel Sanchez, current rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, blesses horseback riders of Club Los Vaqueros Unidos (United Cowboys Club) as they make their way to the shrine as part of a pre-celebration for the Dec. 12, 2016 feast day. (CNS photo/ Karen Callaway, Catholic New World) 

Why to go: The shrine began as an effort by a small local group to foster devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Chicago. In 1987, Joaquín Martínez visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City and brought back a statue of Mary. He and fellow parishioners brought the statue to nearby parishes and family homes. 

Construction on the open-air cerrito, the main devotional area, began in 1995. It was blessed two years later. During the blessing, a portion of earth from Cerro del Tepeyac in Mexico City was poured on the ground, and a digital replica of the original Our Lady image was blessed and enthroned. Because of this, devotees who make promises (mandas) to Our Lady are able to fulfill them here as if they were in the basilica in Mexico City. 

Admission: There is no admission fee and the plaza area is always open; donations of $15 are suggested for parking on the sanctuary grounds due to limited space. Several parking lots off the grounds, but still associated with the sanctuary, are free: St. Emily Parish, Palwaukee Square and Oakton Community College. 

Accessibility: Most of the grounds are wheelchair-accessible. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course!   

Info: Address — Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1170 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, Ill.  

Phone — 847-294-1806 

Website — https://www.solg.org/

— Megan Peterson compiled this story. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org