In yesterday's post I likened the Christian pilgrimage to a family road trip, and I mentioned the great spiritual value of pilgrimages to holy places. While we typically think of places like the Holy Land, Rome, or maybe Fatima and Lourdes, there are some great pilgrimage sites right here in the USA! In today's top ten list, I will give some recommendations. Realize, however, that this is only a partial list!
(1) California Missions
Since I was born and raised in Southern California, this was an obvious choice for me. The various missions established by Blessed Junipero Serra (I've visited most of them), connected by the El Camino Real ("the royal road," now typically Interstate 101), make for a scenic as well as spiritually enriching trip.
(2) Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC
Our national basilica and, with apologies to LA's new cathedral, probably the most magnificent church ever built in the U.S. DC has other points of interest from a Catholic perspective, and since we still embrace the religious convictions that were part of our country's founding vision, even the historical and governmental aspects of the city enhance the pilgrimage aspect of a DC trip. But be sure to spend ample time in the basilica!
(3) Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, WI
One of the newest shrines in the country, with construction undertaken while Archbishop Burke was still Biishop of La Crosse. It's devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, but is also the headquarters for various apostolates founded by Servant of God John A. Hardon. Of the sites listed here, this is the one that I want to visit next.
(4) National Parks
Okay, they aren't pilgrimage sites and no, I don't work for the Department of the Interior. But we can't lose sight of the immense beauty of our country--not just the national parks, but also the thousands of miles of coastland and the many singular wonders and attractions--not to mention Alaska! Appreciation of the greatness of the great outdoors connects us to God in a powerful, intimate way.
(5) St. John Neumann Shrine, Philadelphia, PA
The church honoring the Apostle of the Alleghenies, St. John Neumann, an American bishop and canonized saint (how's that for a combination!). And while this won't mean anything to most readers, I'm also including this site because of the devotion of a dear friend of mine and of St, John Neumann, the late John I. Lewis.
(6) University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
Okay, this is a reach, because, well, you know . . . But for better and for worse, Notre Dame is far and away the most significant Catholic university in the country, at least by secular standards. And the Lourdes grotto is really nice. Plus I can't help but call to mind a religious brother who would take courses every summer at Notre Dame. When people asked where he was going, he would say with a deadpan expression, "The Holy Land." And a bus to South Bend is cheaper than a flight to Israel!
(7) North American Martyrs Shrine, Auriesville, NY
The site of the first martyrdom on American soil, and we all know that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. I love this shrine and can't wait to go back some day. And btw, baseball fans take note: it's not that far from Cooperstown, the home of Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame. And if you're headed west through upstate New York, you might want to stop at the amazing Our Lady of Victory Basilica and National Shrine in Lackawanna, which is just outside of Buffalo.
(8) Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), Irondale, AL
Many go each year to EWTN to check out the facility, watch the filming of a couple programs. and possibly go on retreat. Now of course the pilgrimage also includes a trip out to the new relatively new Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, which is simply a little slice of heaven on earth.
(9) Civil War Monuments
This may seem like an odd selection, but I do believe these places are hallowed ground, where many gave their iives for principles that were noble and worthy. Anyplace that gets me to pray for the dead (spiritual work of mercy) and to appreciate in new and meaningful ways the rights and liberties we enjoy in this country is in some sense a "pilgrimage" site for me. And the beauty aspect (no. 4 above) comes into play. I remember driving through Manassas (Bull Run) and appreciating why one would fight for that breathtaking piece of the country.
(10) Hershey, PA
Not far from Gettysburg. Yes, this is where they make the chocolate, and there's also a theme park, zoo, botanical gardens, etc. This may be an urban legend, but I think it was St. Teresa of Avila who jokingly said, "God is good, but God and chocolate are better."
There are many other "real" pilgrimage sites in the U.S. that I could have mentioned, and also some other places that may have a spiritual significance if we're paying attention. And don't forget the "mini-pilgrimages" to the nearest adoration chapel!
But wherever you might be headed this summer, vaya con Dios--Go with God!