Book chronicles visits to all 94 basilicas in the United States

Grady Connolly, founder of Social Thomist, a social media agency working online with prominent Catholics to evangelize and shape the culture, has been visiting basilicas. Almost a hundred of them.

In his book, Basilicas: A Pilgrim’s Guide to America’s Most Remarkable Catholic Churches (October, 2026), he shares the story of his visit to all 94 Catholic basilicas located in the United States, weaving together their history and architecture, along with spirituality and his personal reflections, to create what he describes as “a practical and inspiring Catholic travel guide.”

“America’s basilicas are not merely historic landmarks,” Connolly explained in an announcement about the book. “They are living witnesses to the faith, sacrifice and devotion of generations of Catholics who built communities rooted in Christ.”

The book is not merely “a coffee-table book meant only for display,” it is especially intended for those who would like to visit the cathedrals. He noted that the book “speaks directly to a growing desire among Catholics for pilgrimage-centered travel and tangible experiences of beauty and tradition.”

Connolly spoke recently with CWR. about his travels and observations.

CWR: Tell us a bit about your background.

Grady Connolly: I grew up in the small town of Shapleigh in southern Maine with my mom, dad, and older sister, Alecia. Maine is a wonderful place to grow up, close to the coast and the mountains, and is a bit of an oasis away from the busyness of the world. We had chickens, a garden, and apple trees, and lived a simple country lifestyle.

My parents have always been hardworking people. Neither had the opportunity to attend college, so hard work was built into their DNA. My mom works in customer service for a water testing laboratory, and my dad owns a cleaning business. They taught us the value of hard work, radical faith in God’s plan, and the importance of doing well in school in hopes of going to college.

More than anything, Mom and Dad wanted to see Alecia and me prosper by doing work we genuinely loved.

CWR: How did you come to work in Catholic media?

Grady Connolly: After graduating from the Catholic University of America in 2021, I worked for a creator-tech company based in California while living in Washington, DC. It was the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and TikTok was taking the world by storm. I worked on brand partnerships, securing opportunities for creators to earn a living by producing engaging content for brands, music labels, and film studios.

In 2022, I left to start my own social media agency, Social Thomist. At first, I focused on social media strategy for pop artists (I love music), but I quickly felt God’s call to pivot away from the secular media world and toward Catholic content. I became increasingly concerned about the ways social media was shaping the lives of millions of young people and felt that we, as disciples, needed to bring the truths of the Gospel to more screens.

Since 2022, I have built a roster of clients who are truly changing the world. Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, Fr. Dan Reehil, Fr. Leo Patalinghug, Napa Institute, and Mary’s Shrine are only a handful of the people and organizations I have had the privilege of supporting as they bring the Faith to new communities and hungry souls.

Through my work, I have traveled to 24 countries, primarily to capture content at some of Catholicism’s most important pilgrimage sites. Being able to travel as a pilgrim while visiting some of the holiest places in the world for my work is a blessing for which I can never thank God enough.

CWR: How did you get the idea to visit all 94 basilicas in the United States?

Grady Connolly: In 2015, I traveled to Washington, DC, for the annual Vigil for Life held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. As our bus approached the largest Catholic church in North America, I remember looking out the window and thinking, “I have never seen anything more beautiful.” I had never experienced Catholicism in such a grand and vibrant way. When I saw that the Catholic University of America was located right next door, I knew then that it was the college for me.

From the very first day of school in the fall of 2017, I visited the National Shrine each morning, spending 30 to 45 minutes in prayer, where I experienced a deep encounter with our loving God in that magnificent basilica.

Over time, I became fascinated with what makes a basilica so special. Beyond being a national shrine to our Blessed Mother, that title of basilica stuck with me. As I read more, I learned that there are dozens of basilicas here in the United States, all receiving this special honorary title from the pope himself for their historical significance, architecture, and abundant devotional life.

I immediately had an idea: I wanted to visit every basilica in the United States.

What was originally a “lifelong bucket list” quickly became an obsession, visiting all 94 basilicas in four years, from Maine to Hawaii. I wasn’t certain what spiritual fruits would come from the pilgrimage, but feeling strongly that this was something God was asking of me, I set out on my journey.

These four years of pilgrimage via planes, trains, and automobiles were beyond my wildest expectations. I dove into the history of these beautiful churches and the role they played in shaping Catholicism in America. I discovered that the story of America’s basilicas is ultimately the story of the American experiment itself: faith, sacrifice, freedom, and the determination of ordinary people to build something beautiful.

CWR: What makes a church a basilica?

Grady Connolly: A minor basilica is an honor bestowed upon a church by the pope in recognition of its importance in the life of the Church. This designation typically recognizes a church’s rich history, architectural and artistic beauty, and its role as a place of special devotion and abundant grace.

There are two types of basilicas: major and minor. There are only four major basilicas in the world, and all of them are in Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. These are the Church’s principal basilicas, with St. John Lateran holding the title of the “Mother of All Churches” because it is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the pope.

All other basilicas around the world, more than 2,000 in total, are classified as minor basilicas. With its 94 minor basilicas, America is one of the countries with the greatest number of basilicas in the world. That is especially remarkable, considering our nation is relatively young. It stands as a testament to the faith, entrepreneurial spirit, and sacrifice of America’s earliest Catholics, who came not only to build new lives but also to build up Christ’s Church.

CWR: Tell us about the logistics involved in visiting so many basilicas.

Grady Connolly: I began mapping out all the basilicas across the country, organizing them into travel “batches.” One of the biggest logistical challenges was creating efficient itineraries around each basilica’s hours of operation. Some trips, I visited as many as six basilicas in a single day, so carefully coordinating schedules and travel times was essential. I loved the logistics and planning.

Given the nature of my work in social media, I travel frequently. Whenever I planned a work trip, I was always thinking about where the nearest basilicas were and I looked for opportunities to incorporate visits into my itinerary.

For most of these basilicas, I didn’t announce my arrival. I always enjoyed having time on my own to pray, reflect, and explore each church at my own pace. Before every visit, however, I made a point of researching the basilica’s history and notable features so I could appreciate details I might have otherwise overlooked.

Although I did my basilica visits over four years, I went to more than half in 2025 to finish both the journey and the writing of this book in time for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

CWR: What are some of your favorite basilicas?

Grady Connolly: Choosing favorite basilicas is like trying to pick a favorite child, but a few have stayed with me over the years:

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC. Affectionately known as Mary’s Shrine, this basilica is often called America’s Catholic Church. As the largest church in North America, this national shrine dedicated to the patroness of the United States is a must-see for every American Catholic. The liturgies, sacred music, artwork, and the breathtaking Trinity Dome, the crowning jewel of the basilica, leave pilgrims with a taste of heaven.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri. This is one of the finest churches I have ever seen. Dedicated in 1914, this Byzantine Revival masterpiece is home to one of the greatest collections of mosaics in the United States. It’s the kind of church that leaves you with a sore neck from constantly looking up at the awe-inspiring artwork overhead.

Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Victory, Lackawanna, New York. Tucked away in western New York, this spectacular Marian shrine has one of the most inspiring stories of any basilica in America. Father Nelson Baker, whose cause for canonization is underway, launched one of the most successful direct mail fundraising campaigns in American history to build this magnificent church in honor of Our Lady. The marble, artwork, and murals feel as though they belong in Europe. The basilica celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2026.

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, Kentucky. This is one of the most striking Gothic churches in the United States. Its most remarkable feature is the collection of Munich-designed stained-glass windows that fill the church with brilliant color and light. From the exterior, pilgrims will immediately notice its resemblance to the façade of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

CWR: Why did you find this experience life-changing?

Grady Connolly: The world is filled with so much noise. Given my work in social media, every day I have one foot in the real world and one in the digital world. At times, it can be difficult to hear the Holy Spirit speak. This pilgrimage was an intentional step into the transcendent.

Although I took photos and videos along the way, some for social media and others for this book, I also experienced hundreds of hours of dialogue with the Lord. Not only was I gifted tremendous peace while walking through these remarkable churches, but the long hours spent on planes, trains, and in cars created the ideal opportunity for prayer and conversation with Him. For most of these basilica visits, I traveled alone. I turned the travel itself into a journey of faith.

I also found myself becoming increasingly proud of the American Catholic story. For many of us, the ancient roots of our faith are found in the Holy Land, and we marvel at the great churches of Rome. Yet the more I traveled throughout this beautiful country and encountered the stories of faith woven into its history, the more convinced I becme that God is working wonders through the United States.

Our nation is young compared to much of the world, yet it is home to saints, missionaries, and faithful men and women who carried the Gospel across this land and built churches that continue to be centers of abundant grace.

CWR: And the book you are releasing through Ave Maria Press about the experience?

Grady Connolly: When I began this pilgrimage four years ago, I knew I wanted to share the journey through a book that not only told the stories and showcased the beauty of these basilicas but also served as a guide for readers to set out on their own pilgrimage. Whether you visit four basilicas or all 94, beautiful encounters with the Faith await you.

The book is organized as follows:

• An introduction by Cardinal James Harvey, Archpriest of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, and Msgr. Walter Rossi, Rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
• A brief history of basilicas, providing the background to this special honor bestowed upon churches.
• A spotlight on all 94 minor basilicas in the United States, including a brief history, key facts, and a personal reflection from my pilgrimage.
• A spotlight on the four major basilicas of Rome.

The book is available now for preorder and will be released on October 30, 2026.

CWR: How do you think readers will benefit from hearing the story of your basilica visits?

Grady Connolly: For many Catholics, we find ourselves in the same pew at the same church every Sunday. While it is a tremendous grace to belong to a faithful parish community, being a pilgrim is also part of our faith tradition. From the earliest days of the Church, Christians made pilgrimages to sacred sites to encounter the life of Christ and the story of our faith. We are called to do the same.

This book is an invitation to renew our love for both our country and the Church by stepping outside our comfort zones and opening our hearts to the ways the Holy Spirit desires to speak to us through beauty, the sacraments, and the powerful stories found within these sacred places.

I encourage people to pick up a copy of the book and discover where these basilicas may be tucked away along their travels, whether on vacation, during a work trip. or within driving distance of home. Chances are, you’ll find yourself near a basilica at some point.

When you do, take the opportunity to step inside. You never know how the Lord may choose to meet you there.

CWR: Any other thoughts?

Grady Connolly: I found it helpful to add some structure to this pilgrimage by establishing a set “ritual” of things I would do at each basilica. Pope Francis once said, “Do not be like superficial sightseers… Tourists do this. Pilgrims, on the other hand, immerse themselves fully in the places they encounter.”

For me, part of entering into each pilgrimage with greater intentionality came through repeating the following prayers and practices at every basilica:

• Pray for a set list of intentions and people I carried with me to each pilgrimage stop.
• Pray for the intentions of the Pope, given each basilica’s special relationship with the Holy Father.
• Pray for the intercession of the church’s patron(s), as well as the angels and saints depicted in its artwork.
• Pray for the local bishop and the faithful of the diocese.
• Financially support the basilica by leaving a donation, lighting a candle, or visiting the gift shop.