Tag: Road Trip

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Finding the Universal in the Local: A Catholic Journey Across America

The word “Catholic” means “universal,” and as I’ve traveled across the country, I’ve had the unique opportunity to experience the truth of that definition firsthand. There is a profound sense of continuity and universality in the Catholic faith, a beautiful constancy in its rites, beliefs, and mission that spans the globe. Every Catholic Church, whether in a bustling metropolis or a quiet rural town, follows the same order of Mass, adheres to the same core principles, and shares in the same global fellowship.

As a Catholic, I made it a point during my cross-country road trip to attend Sunday Mass wherever I happened to be. Each Sunday, I would simply use Google Maps to find the nearest Catholic church and walk through its doors, a stranger in a new pew. I celebrated Mass in North Carolina, Mississippi, New Mexico, Missouri, and Ohio, and while the core of the service was always the same, I was also struck by the incredible diversity within that universality.

Each individual local community is a reflection of the culture and identity of the people who make it up, and that was apparent in how they expressed their faith. I noticed how some churches seemed to prioritize certain elements over others. The homilies often focused on themes that resonated with the local community’s unique challenges and values. Some communities were particularly dedicated to social justice initiatives, while others focused more on traditional devotions, or others on local charitable activities.

This journey has been a powerful reminder that while the Catholic Church is one body, its many parts are incredibly distinct and beautiful. The universal faith is made real and tangible through the countless local communities that bring their own unique spirit to it, showing how they, as a people, relate to God and the Church. My experience of finding the universal in the local has deepened my appreciation for both the foundational consistency of my faith and the rich, diverse mosaic of the communities that bring it to life across America.

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The Unseen Threads: Why We Must Honor Native American Identity

My cross-country journey has been a powerful lesson in American history, and some of the most profound teachings have come from my time spent in Native American areas. From a quick stop on Cherokee land to a long drive through the Navajo Reservation, these experiences, and the people I’ve met, have crystallized one crucial truth: the importance of understanding, protecting, and deeply respecting Native American identity.

My encounters began with a brief pause on Cherokee land. The Cherokee Nation, while now primarily headquartered in Oklahoma due to the forced and brutal Trail of Tears removal, maintains a vibrant presence on the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina. Even in that short visit, I could sense the deep connection to the land and the resilience of a people who have endured immense hardship.

Later, in Louisiana, I visited Vermilionville, a living history museum that beautifully preserves the Acadian, Creole, and Native American cultures of the region. It’s a place that shows the interwoven histories of various peoples, including tribes like the Ishak and Chitimacha, whose presence predates all others. In New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque provided a powerful gateway to the 19 Pueblo nations, with its mission to preserve and perpetuate Pueblo culture through art, dance, and history. Here, I saw firsthand how tradition and contemporary life coexist.

But the most immersive experience came in the vast, awe-inspiring beauty of Monument Valley, a sacred place to the Navajo Nation (or Diné). The landscape, known to the Navajo as Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii (“valley of the rocks”), is managed as a tribal park. Here, I had the privilege of meeting a Navajo guide, who shared not just the geology of the buttes but the stories and legends tied to the land.

In each of these places, I found myself learning on multiple levels. I had the chance to try fry bread, a dish with a complicated history—born of survival and government rations during a period of forced relocation—that has become a potent symbol of resilience and cultural endurance. I also had more personal connections, from talking with various Native Americans I met along the way to my guide in Monument Valley.

What I saw, learned, and felt through all these interactions was a single, unifying message: how vital it is for us to learn about, protect, and respect Native American identity. That respect must extend to every facet of their culture—their religions, their art, their history, their profound relationship with the land and nature, their reverence for their ancestors, and their ongoing struggles. This isn’t just about preserving a past; it’s about acknowledging a living, breathing culture.

We all owe this respect and deference, given the painful and often unjust history of our nation. But more than that, we owe it to ourselves. By listening, learning, and protecting this identity, we open ourselves up to a different way of seeing the world—one rooted in balance, community, and a deep connection to the earth. The history of Native Americans is a powerful, universal story, and a lesson for all of us about endurance, identity, and the enduring human spirit.

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Read the cover page with information about the trip.