Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

(Photos/ http://cammonline.org)

Destination: An outgrowth of a devotion to Mary, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was established for the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia. The CAMM was formed in 1915 and directed by its founder, Father Joseph Skelly, CM. Each Monday since 1927, nine novena services are held. Check the website for details.
Masses  are 9 a.m. Sunday; 12:05 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 7 and 9 a.m., 12:05 and 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Photos: Left--The shrine is housed in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
Right--A mosaic at the shrine shows an image of the first apparition of Mary and the medal to St. Catherine Labouré in Paris, Nov.  27, 1830.
Why to go: The shrine on the west side of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, which had been dedicated to St. Vincent de Paul, was enlarged, remodeled and rededicated to Mary the Immaculate. Father Skelly, considered it the “center and heart” of CAMM.
Hours: During the World Meeting of Families, Sept. 20-28, shrine hours are Monday: 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 8-10 a.m. The website lists regular hours. There will be historical tours on Saturdays until Oct. 3.Extras: Near the shrine is the the Museum of the Miraculous Medal Shrine, containing more than 500 pieces of religious art, ranging in date, technique, origin, and subject. The museum is at 475 E. Chelten Ave. Museum hours are 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, or by  appointment by calling 215/848-1010.
Accessibility: As the top picture shows, there are stairs to the main shrine entrance, but it is accessible to the handicapped.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course.
Info: Address — Miraculous Medal Shrine, 500 E. Chelten Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144 Phone — 215/848-1010 Web — http://cammonline.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
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