Ready for a Catholic adventure in the United States?
On this episode of "The Catholic Talk Show," Ryan Scheel, Ryan DellaCrosse, and Father John Tetlow explore some of the most fascinating and lesser-known Catholic pilgrimage sites in the US!
1) The Loretto Chapel Miraculous Staircase in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is home to a miraculous staircase that defies engineering logic. After the chapel was completed in 1878, they still needed access to the choir loft. According to pious legend, after the sisters prayed a novena to Saint Joseph, a mysterious carpenter appeared and constructed an elegant spiral staircase.
"The staircase was built without nails, has two 360° turns, and no visible means of support,” Scheel says.
2) The Miraculous Water at the Mother Cabrini Shrine in Colorado
High in the rugged mountains of Colorado, the Mother Cabrini Shrine was founded by Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini. Despite the harsh conditions, Mother Cabrini was assured by God in a vision that water was on the property. Her faith was rewarded when spring water was discovered.
"It’s a beautiful place, we watch the sunrise from the top of the mountain under the chapel that overlooks the whole city," DellaCrosse says.
Visitors still collect its miraculous healing water today.
3) The Stunning Interiors of the Painted Churches of Texas
Nestled in the Texas countryside, the Painted Churches of Schulenburg are hidden gems with breathtaking interiors. Built by German and Czech immigrants in the 1800s, these churches have intricate murals and vibrant stained glass windows.
"From the outside, they look pretty normal, but when you go inside, they’re magnificent,” DellaCrosse explains they are a great example of the culture and faith of the communities that built them.
The guys make it clear that these pilgrimage sites are definitely worth the trip for any Catholic in the US!