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

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