Catholic Boston - Boston, Mass.

(Observer photos/Sharon Boehlefeld)

 Destination: Boston, Mass., has a rich Catholic history that has recently been overshadowed by negative news. But it still is a worthwhile place to visit to see ways the Church and its faithful have left a mark on and helped preserve U.S. history.
Masses are offered at various places in the city, including in the North End parishes we’ve listed. Visit Masstimes.org and search for Boston, MA.
Photos: (top left) St. Stephen's Church interior; St. Stephen's Church sign (below right); Sacred Heart Church exterior (below left); Pieta replica presented to President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy by Pope Paul VI.
 Why to go: One of the oldest church buildings in Boston is St. Stephen’s in the North End. On the historic Freedom Trail through old Boston, the church building was designed by Charles Bulfinch, one of the first Americans to work as an architect.
Across the street from Paul Revere’s house, is Sacred Heart, an Italian parish. It was closed as of late October for repairs, and Mass-goers were directed to St. Leonard, a short walk away, for 9 a.m. Sunday Mass. The three churches, all in the North End, share a website with more information about Mass times and parish activities.
One more stop, though a little distant from these three parishes, is the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Among its collection is a replica of the Pieta, presented to President and Mrs. Kennedy by Pope Paul VI when they met him in Rome. A photo of the three together is to the left of the see-through case that houses the statue.
Accessibility: Handicapped accessibility varies widely in each of these places.
(Grand) Kid friendly: All ages are welcome.
 Info: — St. Stephen, 401 Hanover St/ Boston, MA 02113
617-523-1230
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Stephens-Church-Boston-Massachusetts/198298816870815
— St. Leonard of Port Maurice, 320 Hanover St. Boston, MA 02113
617-523-2110
https://saintleonardchurchboston.org/ 
— Sacred Heart Italian Church, 12 North Sq., Boston, MA 02113
617-523-5638
— John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston MA 02125
(617) 514-1600 
https://www.jfklibrary.org

— Sharon Boehlefeld 
Send ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Museum of Family Prayer -- North Easton, Mass.

(Observer photos/courtesy The Museum of Family Prayer)

Destination: The Museum of Family Prayer will hold its grand opening ceremonies Sept. 15, so it’s not too soon to plan a visit.
Masses are offered at noon Wednesdays through Fridays at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chapel, preceded by a rosary at 11:30 a.m.
Why to go: “This first-of-its-kind museum welcomes you and your family to a unique, interactive, digital experience of prayer that your entire family can experience together,” says the museum’s website. It continues:
“The museum provides:
“Inspiration: A spiritual experience of prayer – touch, listen and watch, reflect and pray.
“Exploration: Learn more about the history and power of prayer.
“Connection: Time to reconnect with your family and your faith.

(CNS photo)

(Observer photos/courtesy
The Museum of Family Prayer)

“You’ll also learn about the remarkable story of sainthood candidate, Father Patrick Peyton, CSC, who inspired the world with his timeless message, ‘The family that prays together stays together.’ See artifacts from his life, ministry and priesthood.”
The Venerable Father Peyton (right) is buried near the museum at the Cemetery of the Congregation of Holy Cross Religious.His headstone is usually draped with rosaries, no doubt in recognition of him as founder of the Family Rosary Crusade of the late 1940s and 1950s. The website says the origin of leaving rosaries on the headstone is lost, but people who take a rosary are encouraged to leave one in its place.
In addition to the museum, there is also a rosary path on the grounds.
Accessibility: The website says the museum is accessible to all. And parking, like admission, is free.
Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
(Grand) Kid friendly: All ages are welcome.
Info: Address — 518 Washington St., North Easton, MA 02356
Phone — 800-299-7729
Website — www.museumoffamilyprayer.org

— Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Xaverian Mission Center Our Lady of Fatima Shrine -- Holliston, Mass.

(Observer screen grab/ Facebook:
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine a ministry
of the Xaverian Missionaries)

Destination: If you plan a trip east during the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s appearance in Fatima, Portugal, a visit to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine might make a good spiritual rest stop.
The Xaverian Missionaries, who maintain the shrine, are a religious community of priests and brothers founded in 1895 by Saint Guido M. Conforti, who was inspired by the life and dreams of St. Francis Xavier.
Masses are Sunday, 11 a.m. (Shrine Church); Monday–Saturday,  Morning: 7:30 am (House Chapel); Tuesday, 7 p.m. for vocations (House Chapel); Wednesday,  7:30 p.m. (Shrine Church); Saturday, 10 a.m. Votive Mass to Our Lady (Shrine Church).
Why to go: Since it opened in 1947, its Facebook page says, “the shrine is a place of prayer and education for thousands of people annually.” Parish groups come for summer pilgrimages. In December there are Christmas lights that draw thousands. Throughout the year the Xaverian Missionaries hold education programs and retreats.
Special events: Fatima Days will resume in May and continue until October on the 13th of each month with a 7p.m. Liturgy of the Eucharist; 8 p.m. outdoor candlelight rosary with prayer of the Hail Mary in the different languages of the participants; 8:45–9:30 p.m. Fraternal Agape in the Shrine Hall (coffee, tea, cookies etc.) On May 13, there will also be a 6:30 p.m. praise and song gathering.
Amenities: The shrine is open daily, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Our Lady of Fatima Gift Shop is open 11a.m.– 6 p.m.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Absolutely.
Info: Address — Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 101 Summer St., Holliston, MA 01746
Phone — 508/429-2144
Website — www.xaverianmissionaries.org/fatima-shrine-holliston-ma/
Facebook — Our Lady of Fatima Shrine a ministry of the Xaverian Missionaries
— CNS; Sharon Boehlefeld contributed to this story.
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org