These +100 Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in the U.S. are Completely Out of this World

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They’re open year round, and there’s probably one very close to you. Make plans for a pilgrimage today.

Alabama

In the South Eastern United States you will find one of the country’s most magnificent works. Often called “Jerusalem in Miniature” this 4-acre park is designed to provide a beautiful and peaceful setting for 125 miniature reproductions of some of the most famous shrines and holy sites throughout the world.

Also: EWTN Studios and Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament

Alaska

Juneau: Shrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux

Located in what can only be described as a magnificent setting, this shrine dedicated to Saint Therese of Lisieux offers retreat opportunities for individuals, families and large groups. There are several types of cabins for rent for those wishing to make a retreat.

Arizona

Hereford: Shrine of Our Lady of the Sierras (above)

Also:

Mesa: Saint Peregrine Cancer Shrine

Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal Center “Casa de Paz y Bien”

Sedona: Chapel of the Holy Cross

Tucson: Mission San Xavier del Bac

California

San Diego: Basilica Mission San Diego de Alcala (above)

The Basilica Mission San Diego de Alcala is the first of the Spanish missions to be built in California. The mission was established in July 1769 by Father Juniper Serra. In 1775 attacked and burned to the ground by Indians who also killed Father Jayme, a resident of the mission, making him the first Christian martyr of California.

Also:

San Francisco: National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi

Santa Clara: Shrine of Our Lady of Peace

Santa Cruz: Shrine of Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer

Colorado

Golden: Mother Cabrini Shrine (above)

In 1909 -1910, Mother Cabrini negotiated the purchase of some land in Golden to be used as a summer camp for her charges at the Queen of Heaven Orphanage in Denver, Colorado. A farming operation, with poultry, other livestock and dairy cows, was established and maintained by three of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart who set up living quarters in the loft of the larger barn.

Connecticut

New Haven: The Knights of Columbus Museum (above)

In Hartford, Connecticut you have the opportunity to view some of the historical achievements of this group of Catholic laymen since their founding in 1881 by Father Michael McGivney here in Hartford and through to the present day.

Also:

Litchfield: “The Lourdes in Litchfield”

New Haven: Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague

Waterbury: Shrine of Saint Anne for Mothers

District of Columbia

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (above)

Here in the capital of the U.S. you will find the largest Catholic church in the United States, and one of the 10 largest Catholic Churches in the world. Close to one million pilgrims from around the country and the world visit the Basilica each year.

Also:

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family

Florida

Saint Augustine: Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche (above)

On the grounds of the Mission of Nombre de Dios is the first shrine in the United States dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. Devotion to Our Lady of La Leche (Our Lady of the Milk) goes back to a 4th Century Grotto in Jerusalem.

BONUS: Key West: Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea

Miami: Stella Maris Catholic Center at the Port of Miami

Orlando Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe

Georgia

Monastery of the Holy Spirit (above)

One of the country’s most beautiful monasteries, and the only one in the state of Georgia, is located on the outskirts of Atlanta. Run by the Trappist Monks of the Cistercian Order who live according to the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Also:

Atlanta: Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception