As if there weren't enough reasons to go to Orlando, add this one to your list: Pope Benedict XVI designated an Orlando area church as a basilica. Located about a mile and a half from Walt Disney World, the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe was named one of only 63 basilicas in the United States. Eight of the most important churches in Catholicism are considered major basilicas and most are located in Rome. Minor basilicas are designated because there's something about them, whether it be architecture, historical significance, or something else, that makes them stand apart from a regular Catholic church.

The church is a home away from home for Orlando tourists--as a matter of fact, 95 percent of the Mass celebrants are tourists. Thousands of visitors from all over the world attend Mass at the church, but there are no baptisms, first communions, funerals, weddings, or other sacraments performed in the church. Reconciliation, however, is held seven days a week. That's confession for the uninitiated or old time Catholics.

The shrine is open daily and Mass is held seven days a week. There's a museum, gardens and pathways, and a gift store onsite. This is Orlando, after all.

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