Maternity BVM Parish - Bourbonnais, Illinois

(Observer photos by Sharon Boehlefeld)

Destination: There are several reasons you might be in the neighborhood of Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais. You might pass it on the way to Bears Camp next summer. You might be in the area for the Sugar Creek Symphony and Song opera festival, an August event. Or you might at anytime be on a personal pilgrimage to visit important places in the life of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Any option is good reason to visit the parish or go to a weekend Mass.
Mass is offered at 7:30 a.m. weekdays; 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and 7:15, 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays.
In the photo (right), a plaque on a sundial near the grotto includes the name of Fulton J. Sheen. His college class donated the sundial to the parish (left).
Why to go:  The lovely interior of the 1850’s church, its French history clear in its design, has recently been refreshed. The parish traces its history to 1837 when priests began to say Masses for early French-Canadian settlers. Eventually, the first parish became the campus church for St. Viateur’s College (later Viator), Archbishop Sheen’s alma mater. History rooms behind the altar feature cases of artifacts and lots of framed photos and other memorabilia. Father Richard Pighini, CSV (in photo at top), has recently begun a drive to replace the church organ to ensure the parish’s tradition of excellent liturgical music remains intact.
Accessibility: There are a few steps to negotiate, but the grotto is level.
(Grand) Kid friendly: It’s an active parish attached to a school, so kids are always welcome.

Info:  Address: Maternity BVM Church, 308 E. Marsile St.,  Bourbonnais, IL  60914. Phone: 815/933-8285 Web: www.mbvmchurch.org

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

St. Anthony Relics, St. Anthony of Padua Parish - Rockford, Illinois

(Observer file photo)

Destination: As part of the 750th anniversary of the discovery of the remains of St. Anthony of Padua, the Rockford parish named in his honor will host two of his relics during a one-day visit on June 14. St. Anthony’s feast day is June 13.
Masses will be celebrated at noon and at 6 p.m. at the parish, opening and closing the visit of the relics.
Why to go: In 1263, St. Bonaventure discovered the remains of St. Anthony of Padua.
The Franciscan Friars, OFM, of the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, in Padua, Italy, have allowed a  U.S. tour of the saint’s relics with stops in Illinois and Wisconsin. The Messenger of St. Anthony magazine organized the tour.
One relic, part of a gold-plated bust of St. Anthony, designed and created by Italian artisans for these special visits in America, will be placed on a stand near the altar to allow people to see it at close range, and even to touch it. It consists of layers of skin of our beloved saint.
The other relic is one of St. Anthony’s floating ribs. It is kept in a reliquary which will be placed on the altar.  
Accessibility: St. Anthony’s front entrance has several steps, but there is parking and an entrance for the handicapped on the Kent Street side of the church.
Ammenities: Il Santo gift shop will be open during the relic visit. The shop is in the parish hall in the church basement.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are more than welcome to visit the relic and say prayers with the adults who will be there.
Info: About the relics — Address: The Franciscan Friars of the Anthonian Association and the Messenger of St Anthony 52-29 83rd St, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Phone: 347/738-4306. Web: http://www.saintanthonyofpadua.net. About the host church — Address: St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 1010 Ferguson St., Rockford, IL 61102. Phone: 815/965-2761. Web: www.stanthonyrockford.org

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

Editor's note: The relics have moved on from Rockford. Check the Franciscans' website about other exhibit sites. St. Anthony of Padua Parish, however, is happy to welcome visitors.

Shroud of Turin Traveling Exhibit - Rockford, Illinois

(CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

Destination: A traveling exhibit of a replica of the Shroud of Turin arrived in Rockford this week for a month-long stay at two parishes. The actual shroud (above), revered for centuries as the burial shroud of Christ, was exhibited in 2010 at John the Baptist Cathedral in Turin.
When to go: The exhibit will be displayed through March 15 at St. Edward Parish, 3004 11th Street. Hours will be 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It will also be on display during the Knights of Columbus fish fry, 5:30-7:30 p.m., March 11.
It will then move to St. Bridget Parish, 600 Clifford Ave., where it will be on display March 16-30. Hours have yet to be determined.
Why to go:  Besides the replica of the Shroud of Turin, the exhibit includes a number of panels showing the history of the shroud, and a sculpture of Christ that shows all of the wounds he suffered, based on the evidence of the shroud. The body, also called a corpus, is mounted on a cross.  As Lent begins, the exhibit calls to mind the sufferings Christ endured for us.
Access: Both parish centers are accessible to the handicapped.
Admission: Free; donation accepted.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Some of the images are particularly graphic; young children might be frightened.

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

Sinsinawa Mound - Sinsinawa, Wis.

(Observer photo by Tony Carton)

Destination: Sinsinawa Mound, located in southwest Wisconsin, is home to more than 600 Dominican Sisters who are dedicated to preaching and teaching the Gospel. While visiting, attend Sunday Mass at 10:30 a.m. with the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters in Queen of the Rosary Chapel.

Why to go: Located on 450 acres of lush woodlands, orchards, vineyards, fields, gardens, and a walking labyrinth, Sinsinawa Mound offers an ideal atmosphere for personal reflection, group retreats, and more.

Since its founding in 1847 by Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP, over 3,200 women have taken vows as Sinsinawa Dominicans before departing their Mound home, inspired, to preach and teach the Gospel in the United States and throughout the world.

The Mound houses the Mazzuchelli Exhibit, a display of Mazzuchelli artifacts, including his writing desk, chalice, chasuble, and penance chain. Pope John Paul II declared Mazzuchelli venerable in 1993, beginning a process that may lead to declaring Father Samuel a saint.

Every day, Sinsinawa Kitchens bakes hundreds of loaves of cinnamon bread, caramel rolls, and dinner rolls, zucchini bread, white, wheat, raisin, and health breads. Most are sold to customers visiting Sinsinawa Mound or shipped nationwide from www.sinsinawa.org

There is also a bookshop and art gallery.

Walk the labyrinth and discover a new, yet ancient way to pray and meditate.

Special events: On Sept. 25, celebrate the 25th Annual Women’s Awareness Day featuring breakout sessions, meals, and the keynote, “Comedy Sportz,” stand up improv comedy.

Side trip: Consider a guided scooter Pie Ride. Depart Fever River Outfitters at 525 S. Main, Galena, any Friday at 10:30 a.m. on a 50cc motor scooter and arrive at The Mound when the fresh baked pies are coming hot from the ovens at Sinsinawa Kitchens. Learn more at www.feverriveroutfitters.com or call 815/776-9425.

Access: Accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

(Grand) Kid friendly: Yes, with plenty of room for exploring.

Info: Address: 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824-9701. Phone: 608/748-4411 Web site: www.sinsinawa.org

-- Tony Carton
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org 

 
 

Grotto of the Redemption - West Bend, Iowa

(Observer photo by Tony Carton)

Destination: Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Iowa, is artistry in precious stones and gems, with a message that is timeless. The Grotto wraps around SS. Peter and Paul Church. Sunday Mass is at 10 a.m. and Saturday evening Mass is at 5 p.m. Travel time from Rockford is approximately six hours.

Why to go: The grotto, on the National Register of Historic Places since 2001, is a composite of nine separate Grottos, each portraying a scene in the life of Christ, the story of the fall of woman and man, our divine redemption through Christ, and Mary’s presence in the redemptive process. Its builder, Father Matthias Dobberstien commented, “If your messages are carved in stone they are well nigh imperishable. The imperishableness is the outstanding feature of the Grotto.”

As a young seminarian, Dobberstein became critically ill with pneumonia. As he fought for his life he prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for him for the grace of health. He promised to build a shrine in her honor if he lived. The illness passed, the student completed his studies and after his ordination he came to West Bend as pastor in 1898. For over a decade, he  stockpiled rocks and precious stones until the actual work of his promise began to take shape in 1912.

Special events: The grotto will be outlined in holiday lights from Dec. 1, 2008, through Jan. 6, 2009, and its ice rink will be open for skating  from December through March. Nominal fees apply There is a snack bar inside the warming house. Call 515/877-7465 to verify skating hours.

(Observer photo by Tony Carton)

Amenities: The Grotto is open year round with lighting and music until 10:30 p.m. Its gift shop offers a large variety of special occasion and religious gifts. The Grotto Café is open May–September. Call 515/887-2371 for menu and hours. Tours are offered daily from May 1 through Oct. 16, starting at 10 a.m.; suggested donation $2 to $5. There are 80 campsites available for overnight guests. Fees: $15 per night for campers and $10, tents.

Access: Accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

(Grand) Kid friendly: Yes, with plenty of room for exploring, as long as they remember this is a shrine. Climbing the stairs is OK; shouting is not.

Info: Address: 300 N. Broadway Ave., West Bend, Iowa 50597 Phone: 800/868-3641 Web site: www.westbendgrotto.com

-- Tony Carton 
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org 

Holy Hill Shrine - Hubertus, Wis.

(Photo provided)

Destination: Holy Hill Shrine in Hubertus, Wis., is a peaceful, great place to visit for a day-trip or as a side-trip during a stay at Milwaukee. Daily Mass is at 11 a.m.

Why to go: This Shrine of Mary Help of Christians offers opportunities and settings for prayer and for walking or hiking on 435 acres. It is located on the highest elevation in southeast Wisconsin, so the view is great. A long-time tradition at Holy Hill has been to walk and pray the Stations of the Cross, winding up a paved (with stairs) path from the bottom of the hill to the second level chapel.

The shrine was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 2006. Its newly-renovated upper church is bright and filled with stained glass windows portraying Mary’s life and her charisms. Mosaics of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, above the two side altars, point to the shrine’s relationship with the Discalced Carmelite friars who came to the Hill in 1906 at the invitation of Milwaukee’s Archbishop Messmer.

Even before the building of the hill’s first log chapel, pilgrims left crutches, leg braces and canes at Holy Hill, and the practice is continued today by pilgrims who believe that God has healed them through the power of intercessory prayer.

Special event: The 34th annual Arts and Crafts Fair will be Sept. 20, 2008, when more than 200 artists and craftsmen will participate. Admission is $4 for adults (children 12 and younger may attend for free).

Amenities:  The Holy Hill Café is open every day for lunch from May 1-Oct. 31 and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the rest of the year. Sunday brunch buffet is served year-round from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Simple, overnight accommodations are available in the retreat facilities.

Access: An elevator makes the church accessible. Enter through the front glass doors that lead to the shrine gift shop and go to the right to the elevators. But the retreat facilities are not accessible.

(Grand)Kid friendly: Yes. A picnic area is located at the beginning of the stations — walk down or drive to Station Way Road just east of the shrine’s main entrance on Rte. 167.

Info: Address: 1525 Carmel Road, Hubertus, WI 53033. Phone: 262/628-1838 Web site: www.holyhill.com

-- Amanda Hudson
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org