A Deo et Rege

The pilgrimage itself lasted only a few hours; the town that housed the Shrine only had 3,500 people. Most people do not think of the Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation when they think of Catholic sites. And yet, visiting this sacred place was exactly what I needed. It spiritually re-invigorated me and strengthened my faith in God and his graces. Big things do come in small packages.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I found the Shrine and felt compelled to visit during the season of Lent. What better time to find my faith strengthened and revitalized? I’ve always seen Lent as (among other things) a spiritual housecleaning of sorts and visiting the Shrine helped to give me greater clarity in my spiritual life. I think making a pilgrimage, however small, is a wonderful part of a traditional Lenten discipline of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Many people who are interested in what I’ve described may think that they won’t be able to make a pilgrimage because of time or distance, but let me assure you otherwise.

First, a person can do a simple pilgrimage that lasts a day or even hours. It doesn’t have to be six months. Half of a day at the Shrine touched me in many ways. Nor does it have to be in Rome or the Holy Land. There are Shrines throughout the USA. Don’t believe me? Ohio has 12 Marian shrines, Missouri has 7, and Kentucky has 7! Even the Heartland has Catholic shrines. Please take the time during Lent or otherwise to visit one of these sacred places. You will find yourself refreshed and renewed by the grace of God.

Websites to visit for USA Shrines:
Catholic Shrines USA
Marian Shrines in the United States

Left photo a closeup of Our Lady of Consolation; right photo of Our Lady of Guadalupe altar. Photos by yours truly.