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

National Shrine of The Divine Mercy - Stockbridge, Massachusetts

(Photos courtesy http://thedivinemercy.org)

Destination: The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The shrine is operated by the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Masses at the shrine are at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday; 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and holy days; 2 p.m., and seasonally at 7:30 a.m., weekdays. The Divine Mercy chaplet, followed by Benediction, is offered at 3 p.m. daily.
Why to go: Begun in 1950 without blueprints, a local Italian builder, guided volunteers, Marian noviates and seminarians through the construction process. The shrine features extensive woodwork, 36 stained-glass windows and two mosaics. Stations of the Cross are from Spain. The altar is crafted of Vermont marble. Above it is the image of Jesus, The Divine Mercy, surrounded by the Apostles, which were carved in northern Italy. Above the image of Jesus is a statue of the Immaculate Conception, made from white Carrara marble.
In a side chapel devoted to her is a bas relief of St. Faustina, also carved in northern Italy. She recorded a series of revelations on Divine Mercy in her diary.
Also on the grounds at the Marian Center is one of the largest indoor candle shrines, and, outdoors, the Immaculate Conception Candle Shrine and Lourdes Grotto.
In honor of the shrine’s 50th anniversary, Pope Benedict XVI has offered a plenary indulgence for pilgrims who visit the shrine any time this year.
It was designated a national shrine in 1996.
Special events: In addition to more  than 15,000 piligrims expected for this year’s Divine Mercy Sunday weekend prayers, the shrine also expects many to attend its special events and services on its golden jubilee celebration, May 29.
Amenities: A gift shop at the shrine is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Access: Located in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, the site may be challenging for some visitors.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are welcome, but should be mindful of the many who come for silent prayer.
Info: Address — National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, 2 Prospect Hill Road, Eden Hill, Stockbridge, MA 01262 Phone — 413/298-3931 Web — http://thedivinemercy.org/shrine

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