On the Plane with Pope Benedict

New from Rome Reports, a recent video featuring the book Sull’aereo di Papa Benedetto. Conversazioni con i Giornalisti (On the Plane with Pope Benedict: Conversations with a Journalist) by Angela Ambrogetti. [Read more...]

Birmingham, Alabama

This week, I had the distinct privilege of spending a few days in Birmingham, Alabama. At the moment, the real reason for my “mission” to “the Magic City” remains under wraps. This was not really a touristic trip, but rather a work trip. But I thought it would be great to share a few highlights of the journey in another video. I hope to get back to Birmingham soon for a full exploration!

Destination Name:

Birmingham, Alabama

Location:

Birmingham is the largest city in the state of Alabama with a population currently estimated at 242,820, and a metro population of 1,079,089.

Closest Catholic Church:

  • Parishes in the Diocese of Birmingham
  • The Cathedral of Saint Paul
  • EWTN
Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama

A Bible passage to ponder while you’re here:

Open your mouth in behalf of the mute, and for the rights of the destitute; Open your mouth, judge justly, defend the needy and the poor! Proverbs 31:8-9

Saintly Companions for your Journey:

  • St. Paul the Apostle (3-65) is the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Birmingham.

What you’ll find here:

  • Birmingham was a center of the Civil Rights movement. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, adjacent to the 16th Street Baptist Church, paints a vivid portrait of the city’s place in history.
  • The television studios of EWTN — the Eternal Word Television Network — are located in Irondale, Alabama, a short drive from Birmingham. Plan to make a visit to the small EWTN chapel, to enjoy the studio tour, and perhaps to even take in a live taping. The studio grounds also has a lovely gift and book shop. If you have more time, consider a day trip to Our Lady of the Angels Monastery.
  • A walking tour of Birmingham’s historic downtown offers sightseeing, religious houses of worship, cultural opportunities and shopping.

Be sure to check out:

If you’re looking to shop, dine or simply want a lovely view of the city, check out The Summit.

Learn more at:

  • City of Birmingham
  • Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Trip Advisor

Holy Land Video Tour, Part II – Bethlehem

Lisa in the Church of the Nativity

Lisa in the Church of the Nativity

In early 2012, I was blessed to travel to Israel with the Catholic Press Association as a guest of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. One member of our group of traveling journalists was Dennis Sadowski, a talented reporter for Catholic News Service. Dennis filmed our entire trip, endeavoring to create a documentary for Catholic News Service. His finished product was amazing — as much for the detail he put into narrating his footage as for the lovely shots he captured on film.

Today, I’m pleased to share Part II of Dennis’ three-part series on the Holy Land. A visit to Bethlehem requires advance planning and coordination. Prior to traveling to the Holy Land, be sure to inquire with your guide about logistics for visiting Bethlehem, the West Bank and the Church of the Nativity.

Holy Land Video Tour, Part 1

Members of the Catholic Press Association pray in the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth

Members of the Catholic Press Association pray in the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth

In early 2012, I was blessed to travel to Israel with the Catholic Press Association as a guest of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. [Read more...]

How to Organize Your Journey to World Youth Day in Rio

This Rome Reports video has all of the basics for signing up to attend World Youth Day in Rio. [Read more...]

Singaporean Family Journeys 25+ Hours to Pray with Pope Francis

From Rome Reports today comes the fascinating story of the Teo family, who journeyed from their native Singapore to spend less than 24 hours at the Vatican, praying with Pope Francis. [Read more...]

A Day in San Francisco

Another video, this time from San Francisco… [Read more...]

Ave Maria Grotto

One of my all-time favorite destinations is Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama. I made the following video a few years ago [Read more...]