Blessed Solanus Casey Center, Detroit

Blessed Solanus Casey was beatified in 2017. Should the Vatican affirm another miracle by Blessed Solanus, he will be canonized a saint. As reports of favors attributed to Blessed Solanus continue to circulate, it seems like just a matter of time. The Blessed Solanus Casey Center in Detroit is adjoined to the Capuchin Friary where Casey lived most of his life. The center features exhibits regarding Blessed Solanus’ life. And, of course, be sure to visit his tomb and pray for his intercession. You may just walk away with a miracle.

Basilica of Sainte Anne, Detroit

St. Anne Parish was founded in 1701 and is the second-oldest continuously operating parish in the United States. Father Gabriel Richard served as pastor in the early 1800s. It features neo-Gothic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. St. Anne, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandmother of our Lord, is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Be sure to visit the shrine to St. Anne, which is a side altar in the southeast corner of the church, and which features a first-class relic of St. Anne. In 2020, Pope Francis elevated St. Anne’s to a minor basilica, affirming its importance. See the parish website for tours and Mass times. It’s located near the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit’s Mexicantown. Consider El Rancho or Xochimilco for lunch.

National Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak

Also near Detroit, this church was elevated to a minor basilica in 2014 and was constructed in the 1930s in the art deco style. The shrine is in honor of the French Carmelite nun St. Therese of Lisieux, known as the Little Flower. Check the parish website for Mass times and tours.

Cross in the Woods, Indian River

Near Interstate 75 and 30 minutes south of the Mackinac Bridge is the Cross in the Woods Shrine. The shrine features the world’s largest outdoor crucifix, Stations of the Cross, and several prayer shrines. I particularly like the holy stairs leading up to the base of the cross, which you can ascend on your knees as a devotional practice. The stairs are designed to replicate the 28 steps of the Holy Stairs, the stairs Jesus is traditionally believed to have climbed to reach Pontius Pilate. The original Holy Stairs are in Rome, where pilgrims likewise ascend on their knees. Mass is frequently celebrated outdoors under the giant crucifix.

St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette

In my view, this is the most beautiful cathedral in Michigan. The cathedral was dedicated in 1939 and features a beautiful edifice with symmetrical bell towers. The interior features Romanesque columns, a spacious nave, and a mural of Christ above the sanctuary. A side chapel houses the tomb of Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga, the “snowshoe” bishop, who was the Diocese of Marquette’s first bishop. It is an excellent, quiet place to pray.