Tag: churches

Ten Holly Places in the USA

The 10 Most Sacred Sites in America

The video tells about ten and the article tell about some of those and still some others, for America is Bless by God with Holly People striving to serve God to the very end,

Places Where Heaven Seems a Little Closer *

“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!”* **— Psalm 84:1**

America is often known for its towering cities, breathtaking national parks, and historic landmarks. Yet scattered across our nation are places that remind us of something even greater—the presence of God. These sacred places are more than beautiful buildings or historical monuments.

They are places where countless people have prayed, sought forgiveness, found hope, and experienced God’s peace. Millions of pilgrims have walked through their doors carrying heavy burdens and have left strengthened in faith.

Whether you have visited many of these holy places or simply dream of doing so one day, they remind us that our journey on earth is ultimately a pilgrimage toward Heaven

1. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C.

The largest Catholic church in North America stands as a magnificent tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its breathtaking mosaics, soaring domes, and chapels representing cultures from around the world make it a place of prayer unlike any other in the United States. Every year, pilgrims gather here to celebrate Mass, seek Mary’s intercession, and renew their commitment to Christ.

2. The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion Champion, Wisconsin This peaceful shrine holds a unique place in American Catholic history.

It is recognized as the site of the only approved Marian apparition in the United States. Visitors come seeking healing, comfort, and a deeper relationship with Jesus through His Blessed Mother.

3. The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Hanceville, Alabama

Founded through the remarkable faith of Mother Angelica, this beautiful shrine has become a destination for Eucharistic devotion and silent prayer. Many pilgrims speak of experiencing a profound sense of God’s presence while praying before the Blessed Sacrament.

4. The National Shrine of Divine Mercy Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Inspired by the revelations received by Saint Faustina, this peaceful sanctuary reminds visitors that no sin is greater than God’s mercy. Thousands gather here each Divine Mercy Sunday to celebrate the endless love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

5. The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Emmitsburg, Maryland.

America’s first native-born saint dedicated her life to education, charity, and service to God. Walking through the grounds where Mother Seton lived helps visitors appreciate the quiet holiness that transformed countless lives.

6. Mission San Xavier del Bac Arizona Often called the “White Dove of the Desert,

” This Spanish mission has served Native American communities for centuries. Its stunning architecture and rich spiritual heritage continue to inspire visitors from around the world.

7. The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes Notre Dame, Indiana.

Modeled after the famous grotto in Lourdes, France, this peaceful sanctuary invites visitors to light candles, pray the Rosary, and place their intentions before Our Blessed Mother. Many students, alumni, and pilgrims have found comfort here during life’s greatest challenges.

8. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral New York City Standing amid the busy streets of Manhattan.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral serves as a reminder that God’s presence can be found even in the middle of life’s busiest moments. Millions pause inside its doors each year to find silence, beauty, and prayer.

9. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis Missouri.

Known for possessing one of the largest collections of mosaics in the world, this cathedral reflects the beauty of God’s creation through sacred art. Every detail points the visitor toward worship and reverence.

10. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Royal Oak, Michigan.

Dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, this beautiful church reminds us that holiness is found in ordinary acts of love faithfully offered to God. Her “Little Way” continues to inspire Christians throughout America.

Sacred Places Point Us Toward a Sacred Life As inspiring as these holy places are, Scripture reminds us that God desires to dwell not only in magnificent churches but also within our hearts.

Every church can become holy because Christ is present. Every home can become holy when families pray together.

Every workplace can become holy when our labor is offered to God. Saint Benedict encouraged his monks to make their work a prayer. Saint Mother Teresa often described herself as “a little pencil in God’s hand.” Their lives remind us that holiness is not reserved for famous shrines—it is available wherever we allow God to work through us.

The Greatest Pilgrimage Visiting sacred sites can strengthen our faith, but they are not the final destination. Our true pilgrimage is leading us toward Heaven.

Jesus said: > “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places… I go to prepare a place for you.”* > **— John 14:2

Every Mass we attend, every Rosary we pray, every act of kindness we perform, and every sacrifice we lovingly offer brings us one step closer to our eternal home. May these sacred places inspire us to seek not only beautiful churches but beautiful hearts—hearts filled with faith, hope, charity, and love for God. For in the end, the holiest place we can ever hope to reach is not found on a map. It is Heaven itself.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

July 24, 2026
Helping Families Save Money, Build a Better Future, and Create Additional Income—One Person at a Time

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

One of the greatest blessings God gives us is the opportunity to help other people.

Sometimes that help comes through a kind word. Sometimes it comes through prayer. Sometimes it comes through lending a helping hand.

And sometimes it comes by introducing someone to an opportunity that can improve their financial situation while blessing their family.

Throughout Scripture, we see that God often works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. He opens doors where we least expect them and provides opportunities that allow us to serve others while being good stewards of the gifts He has entrusted to us.

Recently I came across a program that caught my attention because it combines practical everyday value with powerful business-building tools.

Among the benefits are: –

1,000 email leads from someone who genuinely wants to help you succeed. –

A Giant Discount Savings Portal with discounts on airfare, cruises, hotels, shopping, home products, and much more. –

An expanding library of more than 96 e-books filled with valuable information. –

A professional email autoresponder that works with your lead capture pages and even allows you to import up to 5,000 contacts. –

Your own custom lead capture page with an integrated lead database. –

A business opportunity that offers the possibility of creating meaningful monthly income for people who are willing to learn, work consistently, and serve others.

Notice I used the word possibility. No honest business can promise success. Just as a farmer cannot guarantee a harvest without planting, watering, and caring for the crop, no opportunity guarantees income without effort, learning, perseverance, and patience.

Success comes from faithfully doing the work day after day. For many families, retirees, and people living on fixed incomes, even a modest additional income can relieve financial pressure, provide peace of mind, and create opportunities to bless others.

That is what appeals to me most. My desire has never simply been to help people make more money. My desire is to help people become better stewards of what God has entrusted to them, strengthen their families, assist their churches and communities, and have greater freedom to help those in need.

Imagine what could happen if thousands of Christians had additional resources to support their churches, missionaries, food banks, pregnancy centers, homeless shelters, and families facing difficult times.

Money itself is neither good nor evil. The Bible reminds us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil—not money itself. When placed in the hands of faithful people with servant hearts, financial resources can become powerful tools for doing God’s work.

Jesus taught us: > “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” > — Matthew 6:33

That verse has guided my life for many years. Whenever I consider a new opportunity, I ask one simple question: Can this help people while bringing glory to God? If the answer is yes, then it deserves thoughtful consideration.

Whether you decide this particular opportunity is right for you or not, I encourage you to pray about every financial decision. Ask the Lord for wisdom, seek good counsel, and never stop looking for ways to use your talents and resources to serve others.

When we place God first, become faithful stewards, and use our blessings to bless others, amazing things can happen.

May God bless you, your family, and every good work He has prepared for you. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23

Results are not guaranteed. Success in any business depends on individual effort, consistency, skill, and the willingness to learn and serve others. Always evaluate any opportunity carefully before participating. :::

Click Here to learn more and join.

July 24, 2026
Helping Families Save Money, Build a Better Future, and Create Additional Income—One Person at a Time

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

One of the greatest blessings God gives us is the opportunity to help other people.

Sometimes that help comes through a kind word. Sometimes it comes through prayer. Sometimes it comes through lending a helping hand.

And sometimes it comes by introducing someone to an opportunity that can improve their financial situation while blessing their family.

Throughout Scripture, we see that God often works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. He opens doors where we least expect them and provides opportunities that allow us to serve others while being good stewards of the gifts He has entrusted to us.

Recently I came across a program that caught my attention because it combines practical everyday value with powerful business-building tools.

Among the benefits are: –

1,000 email leads from someone who genuinely wants to help you succeed. –

A Giant Discount Savings Portal with discounts on airfare, cruises, hotels, shopping, home products, and much more. –

An expanding library of more than 96 e-books filled with valuable information. –

A professional email autoresponder that works with your lead capture pages and even allows you to import up to 5,000 contacts. –

Your own custom lead capture page with an integrated lead database. –

A business opportunity that offers the possibility of creating meaningful monthly income for people who are willing to learn, work consistently, and serve others.

Notice I used the word possibility. No honest business can promise success. Just as a farmer cannot guarantee a harvest without planting, watering, and caring for the crop, no opportunity guarantees income without effort, learning, perseverance, and patience.

Success comes from faithfully doing the work day after day. For many families, retirees, and people living on fixed incomes, even a modest additional income can relieve financial pressure, provide peace of mind, and create opportunities to bless others.

That is what appeals to me most. My desire has never simply been to help people make more money. My desire is to help people become better stewards of what God has entrusted to them, strengthen their families, assist their churches and communities, and have greater freedom to help those in need.

Imagine what could happen if thousands of Christians had additional resources to support their churches, missionaries, food banks, pregnancy centers, homeless shelters, and families facing difficult times.

Money itself is neither good nor evil. The Bible reminds us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil—not money itself. When placed in the hands of faithful people with servant hearts, financial resources can become powerful tools for doing God’s work.

Jesus taught us: > “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” > — Matthew 6:33

That verse has guided my life for many years. Whenever I consider a new opportunity, I ask one simple question: Can this help people while bringing glory to God? If the answer is yes, then it deserves thoughtful consideration.

Whether you decide this particular opportunity is right for you or not, I encourage you to pray about every financial decision. Ask the Lord for wisdom, seek good counsel, and never stop looking for ways to use your talents and resources to serve others.

When we place God first, become faithful stewards, and use our blessings to bless others, amazing things can happen.

May God bless you, your family, and every good work He has prepared for you. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23

Results are not guaranteed. Success in any business depends on individual effort, consistency, skill, and the willingness to learn and serve others. Always evaluate any opportunity carefully before participating. :::

Rick, I have one additional thought. Knowing your heart and the mission behind The Good News Newsletter, I think this article could become much more than a business promotion. It could be a recurring feature called “Faith & Finances” or “Biblical Stewardship.” Each article could begin with Scripture, teach a biblical principle about stewardship, generosity, or wise use of resources, and then naturally introduce an opportunity that aligns with serving others. That approach would fit beautifully with your ministry of helping people spiritually while also helping them practically. I think it would resonate strongly with your readers.

July 21, 2026
The Universal Call to Sainthood

Learning from Saint Josemaría Escrivá and the Saints

Many Christians frequently ask one another, “Please pray for me.” We understand the power of prayer and the importance of bringing our needs before God. In the same spirit, Catholics often ask the saints in Heaven to pray for them as well.

This practice is rooted in the belief that those who have faithfully followed Christ and now dwell in Heaven remain part of the Body of Christ. Just as we ask friends and family on earth to pray for us, we ask the saints to intercede for us before God.

Before someone is officially declared a saint by the Catholic Church, their life is carefully examined. Their virtues, writings, actions, and devotion to God are scrutinized. In most cases, miracles attributed to their intercession are also investigated. This thorough process gives Catholics confidence that these holy men and women are indeed with God in Heaven and can present our petitions before Him.

Yet the saints are much more than heavenly intercessors.

They are role models.

They show us what a life fully devoted to God looks like. Their lives provide a blueprint for holiness that we can follow in our own circumstances.

One saint who strongly emphasized this truth was Saint Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei.

Saint Josemaría taught a revolutionary yet deeply biblical message: every person is called to be a saint.

Not just priests.

Not just religious sisters and brothers.

Not just missionaries.

Every Christian.

Whether we are parents, teachers, business owners, students, retirees, or laborers, God calls each of us to holiness through our ordinary daily lives.

Saint Josemaría often spoke about finding God in everyday work and ordinary duties. He believed that our daily tasks, when offered to God with love, become opportunities for sanctification.

Changing a diaper.

Preparing a meal.

Working in an office.

Driving a truck.

Teaching a classroom.

Caring for an aging parent.

All of these can become pathways to holiness when done with love for God and neighbor.

This message is especially encouraging because it reminds us that sainthood is not reserved for a select few extraordinary individuals. Rather, holiness is available to every person who seeks to follow Christ faithfully in the circumstances of their own life.

I once heard a priest say, “Only saints get to Heaven.”

At first, that statement may sound surprising. Yet it contains a profound truth.

Heaven is the home of the saints.

Some saints have been formally canonized and recognized by the Church. Their names are known throughout the world.

Others lived quiet lives of faith that may never be recognized publicly. They may have been loving parents, faithful spouses, devoted workers, or humble servants whose names never appeared in history books.

These are the uncanonized saints.

Their holiness may have been known only to God and those closest to them.

Yet they, too, share in the glory of Heaven.

This should encourage all of us.

God is not asking us to become famous.

He is asking us to become faithful.

The lives of the saints remind us that holiness is possible. Saint Josemaría Escrivá reminds us that holiness is practical. It can be lived out in our homes, workplaces, churches, and communities every day.

As we ask the saints for their prayers, let us also imitate their virtues.

May their example inspire us to pursue holiness with renewed determination.

And may we never forget the beautiful truth that God calls every one of us to become saints.

For that is ultimately our destination: to know God, love God, serve God in this life, and be with Him forever in Heaven.

Suggested Closing Prayer

“Saint Josemaría Escrivá, pray for us. Help us discover God in our daily work and ordinary duties. Inspire us to seek holiness in all things and to follow Christ faithfully each day. Ame

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June 25, 2026