101 Places to Pray Before You Die: A Roamin' Catholic's Guide

by Thomas J. Craughwell

Five million visitors crowd into St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York each year. Hundreds of thousands annually pay homage to the Blessed Virgin at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. But Catholic travelers don’t always realize that every state in the Union contains unique shrines, retreat houses, missions and other significant holy places. In 101 Places to Pray Before You Die, you’ll discover the unexpected, the somber, the whimsical and the inspiring spots that, at times, are hidden in plain sight. Every American has heard of the Battle of the Alamo, the heroic-but-hopeless defense put up by a few dozen Texans against an army from Mexico that numbered in the thousands. But most visitors overlook the fact that the Alamo was actually founded by a Franciscan priest as a mission, to bring the local Native American tribe into the Catholic faith. A drive through Cullman, Alabama, will lead you to four acres of quirky miniature reproductions depicting some of the world’s most famous religious structures. Nuns who nursed the wounded on both sides of the Civil War are honored at Washington, D.C.’s Nuns of the Battlefield monument. Dorothy Day, the social activist and champion of the poor, left her mark across New York City—and you can follow in her footsteps. The book also bears witness to the legacy of European, Latin, African and Asian immigrants and Native Americans, tracing their distinctive influence on the history and practice of Catholicism in America. Conveniently organized by state, 101 Places to Pray Before You Die will enhance your travel experiences—whether it’s a day trip to explore a spot you’ve breezed past a hundred times, a quick detour on a business trip or a family vacation dedicated to more intensive spiritual searching. Each entry contains details about the location’s significance to American Catholics, along with the address, contact information and hours of operation.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2017

Reviews

[Kate Hendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very interesting book. Craughwell includes a variety of places from historic churches, to basilicas, to retreat centers, to museums. He provides both a description of the place and shares some interesting information about it. There are a number of things I enjoyed about this book. The descriptions were concise but engaging. He didn’t shy away from some less-than-pleasant history. There are a variety of places to explore. He acknowledges that certain things aren’t for everyone. Helpful travel tips are also given.

Though there are many good things about the book, I do see a few opportunities for improvement. There were some lines that seemed to be repetitive or typos (for example, it said eight when I think it was supposed to be eightieth). My other two points aren’t so much criticisms as much as they are ways to make a really good book even better. I think there are some places he undersold; for example, the Basilica of Saint Louis in Missouri is absolutely stunning, but this was completely glossed over. The other thing that would’ve been nice would be pictures. Obviously, a picture for every location would be unrealistic, but it would be nice to see a few.

All things considered, I highly recommend this book. It is both helpful and interesting.

Note: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas J. Craughwell's unusual guidebook to our nation's vast treasury of Catholic churches, shrines, retreat houses and universities helps travelers add a Catholic element to their vacations, business trips or Sunday drives. If you plan to visit a city for any reason, take a look in 101 Places to Pray Before You Die: A Roamin' Catholic's Guide to see if you'll be near any of the featured locations. Visits to some of these sites may not require very much time; others (like the retreat houses) beg for longer stays. The author takes a "big tent" approach with this book, making sure to include at least one site from each state plus Washington, D.C., and selecting places with connections to a variety of ethnic heritages.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book because I want to make a pilgrimage and I didn't know what's available within the US. It's truly an informative book and it lives up to its promise. I just wish it were longer.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This travel book highlights sites in all 50 states worth visiting & praying at - churches, shrines, convents & monasteries with retreat houses and other whimsical spots. It is making me want to travel!

I picked this up thinking it would be an international book, but I was quickly enchanted with the author's charming and personable recommendations within the US. A convent of Viking nuns in Connecticut, a mission church in the desert of New Mexico, the Nuns of the Battlefield Monument at Gettysburg and more... each spot welcoming visitors to prayerful contemplation.

The book reinforced the universality of the Catholic church for me by highlighting the diversity of the faithful. There are many references to African-American and Native-American sites in particular as well as sites featuring Catholic women and the Latin mass.

I got this book from the library (like 95% of the books I read) and started xeroxing interesting pages to keep for later. I ended up xeroxing almost half the book! I especially loved the convents & monasteries that welcome visitors to pray with the religious. I see a road trip in my future!

[Maryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a reference guide of places to pray. It is not a book that is read cover to cover. Being from New England I was anxious to see what places would be listed that I would be able to go to without major planning. I was quite disappointed with the places listed for both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Although some of the suggestions were excellent, there were also some that I would not have listed. I find the premise of the book to be very interesting. I have not thought of this idea before. I am sure that some of the author's suggestions are not without merit but I would very carefully research any suggestions that are made.

[Duane Prejean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book about the different shrines and sites for catholics to visit when traveling.