NASPA Convention: "Go and Make Disciples"

In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, our late Holy Father Pope Francis emphasized the

spiritual significance of pilgrimages, encouraging the faithful to embark on journeys of faith and

hope. “Pilgrims of Hope” invited Catholics worldwide to renew their faith through pilgrimage,

prayer and acts of charity. The 2025 Annual Convention of the National Association of Shrine

and Pilgrimage Apostolate (NASPA) offers a timely and meaningful opportunity for us to live out

that call together.

This year’s convention is taking place September 15–17 at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City. Our theme, “Go and Make Disciples,” echoes the Church’s mission to evangelize and accompany a pilgrim people. As shrine leaders and friends, we are uniquely positioned to help others encounter Christ through sacred spaces and spiritual journeys. This gathering will strengthen our shared ministry through prayer, collaboration and reflection.

We’re honored to welcome an inspiring lineup of speakers:

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• Fr. Don Wolf, Rector of the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine and cousin of Blessed

  Stanley, whose leadership is rooted in a legacy of spiritual courage and service.

• Fr. Michael Baggot, LC, internationally recognized professor, bioethics scholar and

  pilgrimage chaplain known for his theological insight into the use of AI.

• Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop of Oklahoma City, whose pastoral witness

  and leadership continue to inspire Catholics across the nation.

Early Bird Registration (a discount of $100) ends June 15 and NASPA members receive a

$100 discount on registration. If you are not yet a member, we invite you to join today and take

advantage of this and many other benefits.

Illustration of Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine by Assleigh Kassock

Please also be mindful of your fiscal year planning: whether including this event in your current

budget or preparing for the next. To learn more and register, please visit: catholicshrines.org/2025-convention

Don’t miss this opportunity to pray, learn and grow alongside other NASPA members at one of

the most beautiful and meaningful new shrines in the country. Let us draw inspiration from one

another and from our shared call to fulfill the Great Commission.

In Christ,

Carol Bezak

President, National Association of Shrine and Pilgrimage Apostolate (NASPA)

Director, National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel