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Flannery O’Connor isn’t the only Catholic gem to rise out of the South.

Often referred to as the “Bible Belt,” the American South is known for its strong Christian roots; but most people don’t realize that its earliest Christian roots were Catholic. While the Catholic presence has waned at times over the years, there is a new resurgence of the Catholic population leading to new parishes in many states.

View the slideshow to see seven Catholic sites to check out next time you head down south.