THM Blog

Tag: Saint Mother Teresa

  • 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

  • This is How it is

    The Little Pencil in God’s Hand

    Inspired by the words of Saint Mother Teresa

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    There are times when people tell me how much they enjoy one of my articles, videos, or blogs. They say the words encouraged them, strengthened their faith, or simply made them smile. Those comments are always appreciated, but they also remind me of a beautiful truth that keeps my feet firmly on the ground.

    In one of my books containing daily devotional readings drawn from the writings of Mother Teresa, I came across a quotation that perfectly expresses how I feel whenever I sit down to write.

    “I don’t claim anything of the work. It is His work. I’m like a little pencil in His Hand. That’s all. He does the thinking. He does the writing. The pencil has only to be allowed to be used.”
    — Saint Mother Teresa

    Those simple words contain a profound lesson for every Christian.

    God Is the Author

    When we surrender ourselves to God, He can accomplish far more through us than we could ever accomplish by ourselves.

    The temptation is always to think that success comes from our own intelligence, education, talent, or experience. While God certainly gives us those gifts, they become truly fruitful only when they are placed back into His hands.

    Just as a pencil cannot write a single word by itself, neither can we bear lasting spiritual fruit apart from God.

    Jesus reminded us:

    “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

    That verse has become increasingly meaningful to me over the years.

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    Every Article Begins with Prayer

    Before I begin writing, I try to remember that these words are not ultimately for me.

    Whether I am writing:

    • a spiritual reflection,
    • a World of Dogs story,
    • The Good News Newsletter,
    • or simply sharing the highlights of the week,

    my prayer is always the same:

    “Lord, if this can help even one person come a little closer to You, then use me.”

    That changes everything.

    Instead of worrying about finding the perfect words, I simply try to remain open to wherever God wishes to lead.

    The Holy Spirit Is the Best Editor

    Many people have asked how so many articles, videos, and stories seem to come together.

    The answer is really very simple.

    The Holy Spirit has an unlimited vocabulary.

    He knows exactly what someone needs to hear today.

    He knows which Bible verse will touch a hurting heart.

    He knows which story will encourage someone who feels like giving up.

    When we allow Him to guide our thoughts, remarkable things begin to happen—not because of us, but because of Him.

    A Pencil Is Useless Until Someone Picks It Up

    A pencil has no power of its own.

    It doesn’t decide what to write.

    It doesn’t choose the message.

    It simply allows itself to be used.

    That is a wonderful picture of the Christian life.

    God is not looking for the most talented people.

    He is looking for willing hearts.

    He can take ordinary people and do extraordinary things through them.

    History is filled with saints who were not famous because of their own abilities but because they allowed God to work through them.

    We Can All Be God’s Pencil

    You don’t have to write articles or produce videos to become God’s pencil.

    You may be:

    • encouraging a lonely neighbor,
    • praying for someone in need,
    • preparing a meal with love,
    • smiling at a stranger,
    • volunteering at church,
    • or quietly living your faith every day.

    Each small act becomes part of God’s beautiful story.

    Sometimes the smallest pencil writes the most important message.

    A Prayer

    Lord,

    Thank You for allowing ordinary people to participate in Your extraordinary work.

    Keep me humble.

    Never let me seek recognition for what belongs to You.

    Make me, like Saint Mother Teresa, only a little pencil in Your hands.

    Think through me.

    Write through me.

    Love through me.

    And may everything I do bring glory to You alone.

    Amen.

    Final Thought

    If anything I write encourages someone, strengthens a family, inspires a reader, or brings one soul a little closer to Christ, then all praise belongs to God.

    I am simply grateful that, despite all my imperfections, He is still willing to pick up this little pencil and write.

    As Saint Mother Teresa so beautifully said:

    “He does the thinking. He does the writing. The pencil has only to be allowed to be used.”

    May each of us become that little pencil in the loving hands of God.

    I Thak you for reading this. Please share with others.

    Rick Herring
    thmjmj@gmail.com

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