Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace - Honolulu, Hawaii

(CNS photos/Darlene Dela Cruz, Hawaii Catholic Herald)

Destination: The Vatican has designated Honolulu’s Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace as a minor basilica in recognition of its historic and spiritual significance. The Honolulu church is the United States’ 82nd minor basilica, including two in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico and one in the territory of Guam.
Masses are offered Saturday at 7 a.m., noon, 5 p.m.; Sunday at 6, 7:30, 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.; weekdays at 6:30 a.m. and noon.
Why to go:  Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva said he hopes the cathedral basilica, which now holds the relics of St. Marianne Cope and St. Damien de Veuster, will “grow as a spiritual destination for visitors from all over the world. It has been a place of prayer, worship and celebration of the sacraments for generations,” he said, “but its status as a basilica will give it more attention as a place of pilgrimage for visitors and residents alike.”
Among its distinctions, the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, dedicated in 1843, claims to be the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States. It is the church where St. Damien was ordained a priest in 1864 and which greeted St. Marianne Cope when she arrived in Hawaii in 1883. Besides the relics of both saints, the cathedral also contains the graves of Bishop Louis Maigret and Bishop John J. Scanlan.
According to the Hawaii Catholic Herald, “It is the only U.S. cathedral that can claim the presence of a reigning monarch, King Kamehameha III, at the laying of its cornerstone.”
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are welcome, as they would be to any church.
Info: Address: Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, 1184 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813-2838 Phone: 808-536-7036. Web: www.cathedralofourladyofpeace.com

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld; CNS contributed to this story
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

(Photo/www.SaintRitaShrine.org)

The Catholic World Meeting of Families will be held in Philadephia, Pennsylvania, Sept. 22-27, 2015. Learn more about the meeting at www.worldmeeting2015.org/. This is the second of several shrines in the Philadephia area that
we’ll highlight before the meeting.
Destination: The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia is in the south part of Philadephia, near its Italian Market. It is dedicated to St. Rita, a 15th century wife, mother, widow and nun. She is known as a peacemaker, as someone who  helped others seek reconciliation and who aided those in difficulty.
Masses are offered Saturday at 8 a.m., noon and 5 p.m.; Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m.; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Why to go:  Philadephia’s Archbishop Patrick Ryan established the parish in 1907 after receiving a large donation from Lucas Burke. The parish was entrusted to the Augustinian Friars, who continue serving the shrine community today. After serving the city’s immigrants and its changing neighborhoods for 80 years, it had fallen into disrepair. Renovation began in the 1990s, leading to its recognition as a national shrine in 2000.
The shrine is home to a variety of art­ — including sculpture, stained glass and more — that highlights the life of St. Rita. Plan your visit by checking the virtual tour on the shrine website.
Amenities: There is a gift shop. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and after Mass until 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Special events: Beginning last month and continuing through May 2015, the Augustinian friars at the shrine are offering a healing Mass at 2 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month.
Admission: Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. The Mission is closed Easter Sunday and Monday, Thanksgiving, and from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26. Cost is $6.50 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children over 7, free  for children under 6.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are welcome, as they would be to any church.
Info: Address: National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia, 1166 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19146. Phone: 215/546-8333. Web: www.SaintRitaShrine.org

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

‘Voices of Vatican II’ University of St. Francis - Joliet, Illinois

(Photos provided)

Destination: The University of St. Francis will commemorate 50 years of Vatican II with programs in art, lecture and music with the theme “Celebrating a Pilgrim People: The Voices of Vatican II.” The celebration will include an exhibit, “The World of Vatican II: An Artist’s Report,” by Franklin McMahon.
The image (left) is his “Vatican Council Procession.”
Why to go:  “The World of Vatican II: An Artist’s Report” by Franklin McMahon features the works of the artist-reporter from Lake Forest, who worked worldwide recording religious, cultural, and political events. His paintings and drawings have graced the covers of Chicago Tribune Magazine, and the pages of Life, Look, Jubilee, U.S. Catholic and Commonweal magazines. Highly recognized for his contributions to art and journalism, McMahon received three Emmys, a Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting and the Renaissance Prize from the Art Institute of Chicago. He is collected by the Chicago History Museum, Library of Congress, NASA and Lake County Discovery Museum.
McMahon was in Rome for opening day and all subsequent major events of the Second Vatican Council between 1962 and 1965 – producing a book “This Church These Times: The Roman Catholic Church since Vatican II,” and an award-winning film documentary, “The World of Vatican II, An Artist’s Report.”
McMahon’s works will be on display from Sept. 15 through Oct. 12, 2014, at the university’s art gallery at the Rialto, 5 Van Buren St. in downtown Joliet.
Special events: On Sept. 25, 2014, at 7 p.m., McMahon’s works will be discussed by his son, Mark McMahon and the curator for the artist, Kathleen Van Ella. The presentation will be at the university’s St. Bonaventure Hall (former Mode building), 16 Van Buren St., downtown Joliet. After the presentation, there will be a short walk to the gallery to view the exhibit with a reception. It is one of several Vatican II presentations that will be part of the 50 year anniversary event.
Admission: Hours vary. Special showings can also be arranged by calling call 815-740-3367.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Sure, kids can appreciate art. They might also enjoy a visit to the campus. Plan that stop at www.stfrancis.edu.
Info: Address: Rialto, 5 Van Buren St., Joliet, IL 60432 Phone: 815/740-3367. Web: www.stfrancis.edu (type City Center Gallery in the search box for more information)

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

Boys Town, Nebraska

(CNS photo/Susan Szalewski, Catholic Voice)

Destination: People have been touring Boys Town for nearly 100 years — since Father Edward Flanagan purchased land for the campus in what is now west Omaha and welcomed visitors. But now tourists have a whole new way of exploring the famed home for at-risk children — an interactive, smartphone guided tour. The electronic assistance makes a trip easier than ever.
Masses are offered in Dowd Chapel at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday, and at 7 and 11:40 a.m. Monday-Saturday.
Why to go:  If all you know about Boys Town comes from the 1938 movie starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney, then you’re ready for an update. Boys Town has about 100,000 visitors each year, including people attending Mass or classes, but it also draws visitors who are curious to learn about Boys Town’s founder, Father Edward Flanagan. (Tracy won an Oscar for portraying him, and the golden statuette is at Boys Town.) And Father Flanagan wanted visitors. “He always had big signs welcoming visitors. He wanted transparency. He had no large walls keeping kids in and visitors out,” says  Tom Lynch, director of community programs at Boys Town.
Smartphone users touring the campus can scan quick response (QRC) codes found on maps and signs at the village to read about famous sites there. Among those sites are Father Flanagan’s house, the Garden of the Bible, the Hall of History, a 22-bed rose garden tended by residents, and the Leon Myers Stamp Center, home to the world’s biggest ball of stamps.
A drive or stroll along the Village Drive offers lots of photo opportunities, no matter the season. No smartphone? No problem. There are CDs to rent or buy with tour information.
Amenities: For those who prefer a guide, they are available seven days a week, and student-led tours are an option. Ask about them at the gift shop.
Special events: In November and December, Boys Town celebrates Christmas. Check the website for details.
Admission: Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. The Mission is closed Easter Sunday and Monday, Thanksgiving, and from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26. Cost is $6.50 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children over 7, free  for children under 6.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course. It’s Boys Town.
Info: Address: Boys Town, 14100 Crawford St., Boys Town, NE 68010. Phone: 402/498-1300. Web: www.boystown.org

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

National Shrine of St. John Nepomucene Neumann - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

(Photo/www.stjohnneumann.org)

The Catholic World Meeting of Families will be held in Philadephia, Pennsylvania, Sept. 22-27, 2015. Learn more about the meeting at  www.worldmeeting2015.org/. In future issues, we’ll highlight shrines in the Philadephia area.
Destination: The national shrine at St. Peter the Apostle Parish (in photo) is the final resting place of St. John Nepomucene Neumann. Born in Bohemia, he came to America in 1836. He was ordained a priest in New York the same year, served as the fourth bishop of Philadelphia and was declared a saint in 1977 by Pope Paul VI.
Masses are offered in the lower church Monday-Saturday at 7:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. (in Spanish), and 3:30 p.m.; and in the upper church at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Why to go: The parish is where St. John Neumann asked to be buried. He was the first priest to profess vows as a Redemptorist in the U.S. and he wanted to be buried near the priests of his order. His body can be viewed in the lower level church, near the Shrine Museum. 
As a young man, he knew he wanted to become a missionary to America, so he learned English. Having studied Italian in seminary in Boehemia, he used that knowledge to minister to Italian immigrants. He founded the first national parish for Italians in the U.S. He also learned enough Irish to hear confessions in that language.
St. John also unified Philadelphia schools in a diocesan system and founded the Third Order of St. Francis of Glen Riddle.
Though St. John never lived at the church where he is buried, he visited there often. Built to serve a German immigrant population, it was consecrated in 1847, five years after property was bought for the parish.
Amenities: A gift shop is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Admission: Shrine hours are Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Museum hours are Monday-Friday, 8a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Depending on the time of year you visit, school may be in session. Visiting youngsters should be a little quiet as they visit the church and museum.
Info: Address: The National Shrine of St. John Neumann, 1019 N. Fifth St., Philadelphia, PA 19123. Phone: 215/627-3080 . Web: http://www.stjohnneumann.org/shrine.html

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

National Shrine of St. Therese - Juneau, Alaska

 (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

UPDATE-- This popular Alaskan retreat has been designated a national shrine by the U.S. bishops.
Bishop Edward J. Burns of Juneau, Alaska, announced the news on the Oct. 1, 2016, feast of St. Therese Lisieux, the patroness of Alaska after whom the Catholic shrine is named.
The National Shrine of St. Therese, located about 23 miles north of Juneau along Glacier Highway, has served as a place of spiritual refuge since its dedication in 1941.
"The shrine is a place of tremendous spiritual and natural beauty for all who visit," Bishop Burns said in a statement. "We are happy the bishops have confirmed what so many shrine visitors have felt in their hearts -- that the National Shrine of St. Terese, Juneau, is a gift from God and a treasure to all who pilgrim to her shore."


Destination:  There is no doubt that nature is a prime attraction at the Shrine of St. Therese. Thousands of visitors each year make the short drive from downtown Juneau to the 46-acre site, a forest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock overlooking waters of the Inside Passage and the Chilkat Range. The shrine, less than 25 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaksa, is open year-round.
Masses are in the Shrine Chapel at 1:30 p.m. every Sunday starting on the first Sunday after Memorial Day and ending on the first Sunday of September. Mass is also offered on other special occasions throughout the year.
Why to go:  When St. Therese, “the Little Flower,” was canonized in 1925, Bishop Raphael Crimont, SJ, also a French native, shared his devotion to her with Catholics in Alaska. The idea of the shrine came from Father William G. LeVasseur, SJ, and Bishop Crimont endorsed the effort.
Volunteers raised the first buildings and laid a causeway to connect parts of the island-shrine in the 1930s. Their generous gift of time was matched by gifts of materials from Juneau businesses. The depression-era shrine fell into disrepair, but efforts in the middle 1900s helped keep the shrine and grounds operational, but again it fell into disuse. It was closed in 1985, but volunteer efforts and donations reopened it in 1986.
Today it is on a Juneau “must see” list, along with fjords, glaciers and the Alaska State Museum.
Activities: The retreat grounds feature a labyrinth, memorial gardents, Good Shepherd rosary and grotto trail, and stations of the cross.
Amenities: In addition to prayerful retreats, the shrine also hosts weddings, funerals, family reunions and other events. Its lodge and cabins provide plenty of room for guests. There is also a gift and book shop.
Accessibility: Parts of the shrine are wheelchair accessible.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Without a doubt, this destination is ideal for the whole family.
Info: Address: Shrine of St. Therese, 415 Sixth St., Juneau, AK 99801-1020. Phone: 907/780-6112 Web: www.shrineofsainttherese.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld; Nancy Wiechec of CNS
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa - Doylestown, Pennsylvania

 (Photos/ www.czestochowa.us)

Destination:  If you plan a visit in the northeast anytime, plan a stop at this shrine in Doylestown, Pa. An exhibit about Our Lady of Czestochowa (“The Black Madona”) recently came to Holy Family Parish in Rockford, generating interest. Among the shrine’s thousands of visitors was St. John Paul II, who visited twice before he was elected pope.
Masses are Saturday 5 p.m. (English); Sunday, 8, 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Polish), and 9, 11 a.m., 2:30, 5 p.m. (English); weekdays, 7:30, 8, 11:30 a.m. (English). Check the website for holy day and holiday schedules.
Why to go:  The story of this American shrine began, according to its website, “in 1951 when Father Michael M. Zembrzuski, a priest in the Pauline Order from Poland, arrived on American soil.” Father Zembrzuski worked as a missionary during his first three years here, traveling to Polish parishes in the U.S. and Canada. His journeys made clear a need among “Polonia” to foster pride in their Polish heritage and culture. After gaining permission in late 1953 to establish a monastery in Doylestown, he also sought to develop a shrine. He had it weeks later.
On June 26, 1955, Father Stanley Nowak blessed and dedicated a small barn chapel to Our Lady of Czestochowa. The first recorded pilgrimage to the new shrine was from St. Laurentius Parish in Philadelphia for the dedication.
Activities: The shrine will host the 49th Polish-American Family Festival and Country Fair this year Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2014 (Labor Day Weekend), and Sept. 6-7, 2014.
Amenities: A cafeteria is open only on Sundays, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. There is also a gift shop on the grounds, open 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. daily.
(Grand) Kid friendly: This is an ideal stop during a car drive. The aerial view of the grounds shows plenty of room for walks (or quiet runs) with the kids. And don’t forget the festival.
Info: Address: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa
P.O. Box 2049, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901.Phone: 215/345-0600 Web: www.czestochowa.us

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