{"product_id":"basilicas","title":"Basilicas","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Pilgrim’s Guide to America’s Most Remarkable Catholic Churches\u003cbr\u003eAuthor: Grady J. Connolly\u003cbr\u003eForeword by: Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Cardinal James Harvey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003cbr\u003e“Do not be like superficial sightseers. . . . Tourists do this. Pilgrims, on the other hand, immerse themselves fully in the places they encounter.” —Pope Francis\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePope Francis’s call to move beyond sightseeing and into pilgrimage sets the tone for Basilicas: A Pilgrim’s Guide to America’s Most Remarkable Catholic Churches—a breathtaking Catholic travel guide to the sacred beauty, history, and spiritual richness of the Catholic basilicas of the United States.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrady Connolly, known as the Social Thomist, has personally visited every single one of the ninety-four Catholic basilicas in the United States. Drawing on years of travel, prayer, and lived encounter, he offers a Catholic guidebook designed not merely to be admired but to be used. Basilicas is as portable as it is beautiful—crafted to slip easily into a backpack, withstand the wear of the road, and accompany readers as they explore the stand-out Catholic churches in this country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasilicas are churches formally designated by the pope as special places of pilgrimage because of their profound spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. While every diocese has a cathedral, a basilica stands apart as a living witness to the faith, sacrifice, and devotion of the community that built it. When approached with prayerful intentionality, even a brief visit to a basilica can become a genuine encounter with Christ and his Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside this Catholic travel and pilgrimage guide, you’ll discover\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEssential Information for Every Basilica\u003cbr\u003eClear, accessible details on history, papal designation, and the faithful communities who have shaped each sacred space.\u003cbr\u003eStunning Photography of Catholic Churches and Sacred Art\u003cbr\u003eStriking images that highlight architectural beauty, devotional details, and moments easily missed by the casual visitor.\u003cbr\u003ePersonal Encounters and Reflections\u003cbr\u003eThoughtful spiritual insights and firsthand stories drawn from Connolly’s journey through America’s Catholic basilicas.\u003cbr\u003eWhether the nearest basilica is a flight away or just down the road, Basilicas invites you to walk as a pilgrim rather than a tourist. This rich Catholic devotional travel guide opens the door to deeper faith, greater wonder, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and enduring legacy of Catholicism in America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for Catholics seeking meaningful travel, parish groups, pilgrimage planners, OCIA candidates and converts, lovers of Catholic history and architecture, and anyone longing to encounter God through sacred places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epaperback\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ave Maria Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50735594766434,"sku":null,"price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2778\/2626\/files\/Screenshot2026-10-21at12.40.35PM.png?v=1792601099","url":"https:\/\/celticcovecatholicbookstore.org\/products\/basilicas","provider":"Celtic Cove Catholic Bookstore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}