Oldest Catholic Churches: Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá - San Diego, Calif.

(Observer photos/parish website)

Destination: The fourth oldest church still in use in the U.S. is part of the San Diego de Alcalá Mission in San Diego, Calif. Last year marked its 250th anniversary. 
Masses are offered in the mission church at 5:30 p.m. Saturday; 7, 8, 10 and 11 a.m., noon and 5:30 p.m. Sunday; 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There is also an 11 a.m. Spanish Mass at the St. Francis Chapel on Sunday.
Photos: Mission exterior (top); nterior of San Diego de Alacalá Church retains its Spanish architectural roots after a 1931 rebuilding project.
Why to go: San Diego de Alcalá was the first of the 21 California Missions, and was California’s first Mission Church founded in 1769. Today it remains an active parish. 
St. Junipero Serra was among the Franciscan Friars already in Baja (Lower) California who were assigned to develop the Alta (Upper) California missions. Spanish military men went with the friars to protect and support them. Father Serra, a native of Majorca, was the superior of the Franciscan missionaries.
The mission had struggled in its early years, both in trying to raise crops and in converting the native Americans in the area while Spanish authorities tried to impose stict rules on them. On Nov. 4, 1775, the hundres of native people attacked the mission, burned it to the ground and killed a blacksmith, a carpenter, and Father Luis Jayme, who became California’s first Catholic martyr. He is buried next to the altar in the present church.

The mission has been rebuilt five times and in 1931 the reconstruction used architectural plans designed to look like the 1813 church. One of the large bells is original and is dated 1802. The other large bell is made of remnants of the original bells.
Amenities: The mission gift shop is open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily. The mission offers self-guided tours for families, though it offers group docent tours with reservations in advance. Check the website for details.
Accessibility: Most of the mission appears to be accessible, but expect variations throughout the grounds.
(Grand) Kid friendly: All ages are welcome. Don’t be surprised to see a school tour while you’re there.
Info: Address — Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108 
Phone (Visitor Center) — (619) 281-8449 
Website — https://www.missionsandiego.org

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

Oldest Catholic Churches: St. Gabriel Church - St. Gabriel, La.

(Observer photo/https://commons.wikimedia.org)

This is the first in a five-part series on the oldest Catholic Chuches in the U.S. still in use. 
Destination: With this issue, we begin a short series on the oldest Catholic churches still in use in the U.S. The fifth oldest church, St. Gabriel the Archangel Church in Louisiana is readying for its 250th anniversary and “grand celebration”  on Feb. 2
Masses are offered Sunday at 7 and 10:15 a.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday at 8 a.m. There is no Mass on Monday.
Why to go: St. Gabriel Church was believed to have been built in 1771. Parish website says its first location was probably near Fort Manchac. Mississippi River flooding forced several moves of the building. The church was moved to its present site in December 1887.
The 250th anniversary of the Catholic faith on the banks of the Mississippi is “a wonderful milestone and testimony of our French Acadian Christian Catholic Faith,” the website states. “We Cajuns are known for our strong Christian Catholic way of life through our love of God and our love for one another. We are also known for ‘passing a good time.’ Through the (anniversary) year we will be coming together to pass a good time and to share precious memories and stories that make us the unique Christian Catholic Community of St. Gabriel.”
If you plan to be in the area Feb. 2, the anniversary Mass will be at 10:15 a.m. with Bishop Michael Duca and Bishop Robert Muench. A luncheon will follow the Mass and the old church will be open for viewing. RSVP by Jan. 22 at http://www.stgabrielcatholicchurch.com/anniversary/rsvp/. (There is no charge listed, but we suspect generous donations from guests who are from outside of the parish would be appreciated.)
Accessibility: There are a few steps at the front door to this small-town parish.
(Grand) Kid friendly: All ages are welcome.
Info: Address — St. Gabriel Church, 3625 Highway 75, St. Gabriel, Louisiana 70776
Phone — 225-642-8441
Website — http://www.stgabrielcatholicchurch.com/

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

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

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower - San Antonio, Texas

(Photo courtesy Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower)

Destination: The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower was the first National Shrine in the United States dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower.” Its cornerstone was laid Oct. 15, 1929, and dedicated in 1931. Showing its age, the basilica is undergoing renovations to repair some natural deterioration.
Masses are offered Sundays at  8 (English) and 10 a.m. (Spanish), noon and 2 p.m. (English), and 6 p.m. (Spanish); Monday-Friday at 12 noon and 6 p.m.; Saturdays at 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Photos: (top left) exterior of the shrine; (middle right), Tomb Chapel of St. Thérèse; (bottom left) statue of St. Thérèse outside the shrine

(Photo courtesy Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower/
Carlos Ramirez)

Why to go: When the church was first built it was the first outside of France dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The basilica began as Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Thérèse Church, established by  Spanish Discalced Carmelite friars who came to San Antonio by way of Torreon, Mexico, in 1926.
The shrine was elevated to the status of Minor Basilica and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
According to the basilica’s website, “the most treasured work of art at the basilica is a painting of St. Thérèse created by the saint’s own blood sister, Céline Martin (Sr. Geneviève of the Holy Face). It is located in the undercroft of the church. The Basilica is home to three first-class relics of the Little Flower. Two are contained within the tomb chapel of St. Thérèse.”

(Photo courtesy Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower/
RandyBeamer)

Hours: The basilica is open daily, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Accessibility: The website offers no information about handicapped accessibility.
(Grand) Kid friendly: All ages are welcome.
Info: Address — Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Therese Parish, 1715 N Zarzamora, San Antonio TX 78201
Phone — 210-735-9126
Website — https://littleflowerbasilica.org/


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

Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul -- Lewiston, Maine

(Observer screen grab)

Destination: Raised to the level of basilica in 2006, this parish in Lewiston, Maine, was founded in 1870 to serve French-speaking Catholics in the area.
Masses are offered Saturdays at 4 p.m. in French (upper chapel), 6 p.m. in Spanish (lower chapel); Sundays 7 a.m. in English (lower chapel), 8:30 a.m. in Latin (lower chapel), 10:30 a.m. in English (upper church); Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. (lower chapel).
Why to go: It is the oldest parish for the French-speaking Catholics in the Diocese of Portland, Maine. According to its website (shared with Lewiston’s Prince of Peace Parish), “For the French Canadians who began arriving in Lewiston in the mid-19th century, the Catholic Church was, next to the family, the focal point of life.  Under the guidance of the Church, virtually every spiritual, social, recreational, and educational need was taken care of.
“The history of the parish,” the site continues, “reflects an aspect of the immigrant experience played out over and over again across the United States.”
The French-speaking population was initially served by a French-speaking priest sent by the Diocese of Portand. The French Masses were first offered in one church basement, then another, both of which outgrew the 1,000-strong population of immigrants from Canada.
In 1872, the cornerstone for a French parish — named for St. Peter — was laid, but when a French Dominican order took charge of the parish for the diocese, they called it SS. Peter and Paul. The parish population grew continuously through the early part of the 20th century, forcing divisions for additional parishes and outgrowing the original St. Peter building. The first church was demolished and a basement was finished in 1906. The upper church was approved by the diocese in 1933, completed in 1936 and dedicated in 1938.
The official celebration of becoming a basilica in May 2005 featured concerts, festive liturgies and other events.
Its Casavant Frères organ — opus 1587 and 1588 instruments — are combined through one console, making it the largest church organ in Maine. A Sept. 13 concert celebrated a new console.
Accessibility: The website offers no information about accessiblity.
(Grand) Kid friendly: All ages are welcome.
Info: Address — Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 144 Ash St., Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone — 207-777-1200
Website — https://princeofpeace.me/basilica-of-saints-peter-paul-1

— Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story
Send Destinations 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

The Basilica of St. Mary - Minneapolis, Minn.

(Courtesy The Basilica of Saint Mary archives) 

Destination: The Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis has the distinction of being one of the oldest basilicas in the U.S. It and Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica in Lackawanna, N.Y., were both declared minor basilicas in 1926 by Pope Pius XI.
Masses are offered weekdays at 7 a.m. and noon on the basilica’s ground level, St. Joseph’s Chapel; Saturdays at 5 p.m.; Sundays at 7:30, 9:30, and 11:30 a.m., 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Photos -- (Left) Exterior of the Basilica of St. Mary; (Below left) Interior of basilica.
Why to go: The building was designed by the French architect Emmanuel Masqueray in the beaux-arts style.The exterior was completed between 1907 and 1915, and the interior begun in 1922. It was not quite finished when it was declared a basilica on Feb. 1, 1926.
Marble statues of the Apostles around the sanctuary were carved in Italy and are half-size replicas of the ones in St. John Lateran Cathedral of Rome.
In the 1950s, the basilica added a Wicks organ and installed eight double bronze doors cast by the Flour City Ornamental Iron Company of Minneapolis. The doors have symbols of the Apostles and Evangelists, and the coats-of-arms of the archbishops and popes who were key to the basilica’s development.

(Courtesy The Basilica of Saint Mary archives)

In 1975, the basilica was named to the National Register of Historic Places. On its website, the basilica lists three reasons it was nominated for this honor:
“Firstly, it exemplifies great design in architecture and engineering. ...
“Secondly, the Basilica is a testimonial to the religious movements and their roles in the development of Minnesota’s heritage.
“And, thirdly, the building was the first such church to be proclaimed a basilica in the United States.”
Later restorations involved areas of the basilica, the copper dome and roof.
Accessibility: The website says the basilica has access for all. For details, check the website’s Visit Us page.
(Grand) Kid friendly: As long as the kids know their church manners, they will be fine.
Info: Address — 1600 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone — 612-333-1381
Website — www.mary.org

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