Prayer Pilgrimages presents Seven Detroit Area Historic Churches & Shrines Specially Decorated During the Christmas Season. I’ve wanted to go on one of these for a long time. This time, it actually worked out. We ended up with 2 full bus loads of people. It wasn’t exactly a “mass mob” but it was absolutely a good time. If you’d like to be put on the distribution list, contact Michael Semaan, Pilgrimage Coordinator (248) 250-6005, email, website. We’ll be promoting the next one at St Clement. Maybe we can get a full St Clement bus together.
Our first stop was Sweetest Heart of Mary Church, 4440 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207 website, Facebook. This might be the most beautiful testament to God I’ve ever seen. I’m sure this would give the cathedrals of Europe a run for there money. The place was absolutely breathtaking.
Stop # 2, St Joseph Shrine, 1828 Jay St, Detroit, MI 48207 website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. I fell in love with this place a couple years ago. I was on my way downtown for a meeting. I was running slightly ahead of schedule and I thought, “I’m going to just stop and see if I can see inside.” I parked and walked up to the door – fully expecting it to be locked up tight. In my utter amazement, the door opened and I walked into heaven. Up on the altar some people we singing, unamplified, but still easily heard. I sat in one of the last rows for a long time hoping I wouldn’t be noticed. The Canons were singing prayers in a totally empty church, save for me.
Thus began my fascination with St Jospeh. If you’ve never attended the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass there, you should. The place is supernatural. When you go, spend a minute with the St Joseph statue (the first picture.) The first time I really looked at it, I swore St Joseph was looking right at me. Try it, see for yourself.
Stop # 3, St. Hedwig Catholic Church 3245 Junction Ave, Detroit, MI 48210, website, Facebook. One of my favorite shots of the day was the stained glass window depicting our Blessed Mother.
Stop # 4, Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit 1000 St Anne St, Detroit, MI 48216, website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. Another of the grand cathedrals of Detroit. This place is spectacular. I tried to go in and see it a few weeks ago and was denied. I even went to the parish office and was told it’s not possible. I could come back 7 hours later for Mass if I was so inclined.
They could learn a lesson on welcoming pilgrims from St Jospeh Shrine. Anyway, it was worth the wait. Check out the vending machine in the narthex. It’s not for beverages, it’s for votive candles. What a great idea.
Stop # 5, St Florian Catholic Church, 2626 Poland St, Hamtramck, MI 48212, website, Facebook.
Stop # 6, National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica 2100 Twelve Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073, website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
The final stop, #7, Our Lady Of Czestochowa Church, 3100 18 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314, website, Facebook
Thank you so much for the pictures of the prayer pilgrimage. I was planning to go but was sick and had to cancel. These pictures are beautiful and much appreciated. Thanks again. God be with you.
Hi Mary Jo, I’m glad you liked the pictures. Hopefully, you can go on one of the next ones.
Brian