Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe - Orlando, Florida

(Photo courtesy Florida Catholic files)

Destination: Near the resorts and tourist stops in the Orlando and Tampa, Fla., area, the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe provides a quiet alternative to the bustle that accompanies many family vacations. On June 3, the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments granted the shrine the title of Minor Basilica.
Mass is offered at 8 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. on weekdays; 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturdays; 7:30, 9:30, and 11:30 a.m., and 6 p.m. on Sundays and holy days.
Why to go: The shrine developed over the years when the Diocese of Orlando realized it needed a way to minister to the many Catholic visitors to its area. From 1979, Masses were offered in area hotels. But on Dec. 8, 1984, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the diocese broke ground for what would become the shrine.
According to its Web site: “The Shrine’s defining representation (is) of  Mary, Queen of the Universe. A project long delayed as the sculptor, Jill Burkee combed the great quarries of Carrara, Italy, for a block of rare, pure white marble, the completed 8-foot work stands on a marble base and encloses the names of some 3,300 Shrine Associates.”
The shrine is also home to a museum of art, textiles and a relic of St. Desiderius. It is free and open to the public at 10 a.m. daily. Through Nov. 29, it features, “Orientale Lumen,” works of master iconographer Elias Damianakis.
An Outdoor Chapel features a bronze sculpture of the Mother and Child, created by renowned artist Jerzy Kenar. It can be reached along landscaped pathways designed to offer tourists places for quiet relflection and mediation.
The shrine’s Pilgrimage Center tells the history of the Christian Pilgrimage and the place of the Catholic Church in world history. One exhibit also features a tribute to the “Pilgrim Pope,” John Paul II.
Amenities: There is a gift shop on the grounds.
Access: The shrine is generally accessible on one level.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are always welcome at the shrine.
Info: Address: National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL 32821. Phone: 407/239-6600. Web: http://maryqueenoftheuniverse.org

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