Tucked away in northern Alabama, a short detour off of I-65 about halfway between Birmingham and Huntsville, is one of the most spectacular collections of Christian folk art to be found in the United States. This treasure trove of art is hidden away at the unassumingly named Ave Maria Grotto (www.avemariagrotto.com). Located on the grounds of the St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2021
HISTORY’S GREATEST RELIGIOUS BUILDERS
The world is filled with literally thousands of religious architectural wonders. The date from the dawn of civilization to the modern age, and span nearly every culture that has existed throughout history. But who was responsible for building all of these amazing places of worship? In most cases it is a combination of a leader with deep faith, grand vision and deep pockets; … [Read more...]
THE WAR ON HOLIDAYS
October is here (not that you would know it from the weather), and once again we are plunging headlong into the ever-lengthening holiday season. While I freely admit that I do love this time of year, I can’t help but think that holidays are fundamentally different today than they were in the days of my increasingly distant youth. There was a time when most holidays, both … [Read more...]
TOP CITIES IN AMERICA FOR RELIGIOUS SITESEEING – PART II
The Complete Pilgrim is currently working on a survey regarding the best religious sites in America. While those results are a ways off, the initial results have yielded some interesting facts about where some of the largest clusters of major religious destinations are to be found. Not surprisingly, the largest clusters are to be found in bigger cities, with the heaviest … [Read more...]
TOP CITIES IN AMERICA FOR RELIGIOUS SITESEEING – PART I
The Complete Pilgrim is currently working on a survey regarding the best religious sites in America. While those results are a ways off, the initial results have yielded some interesting facts about where some of the largest clusters of major religious destinations are to be found. Not surprisingly, the largest clusters are to be found in bigger cities, with the heaviest … [Read more...]