NASPA Welcomes New Board Members at the Annual Business Meeting

NASPA Convention Attendees pose for a group photo at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City September 16, 2025

New Faces on the Board

At the NASPA Annual Business Meeting on September 17th, the board welcomed three new members. Fr. Christopher Iwancio, OFM Cap, president of Modern Catholic Pilgrim, Julia Attaway, executive director of St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York City, and Fr. John Kettelberger, CM, rector of the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia, were nominated and elected as Members at Large.

During the meeting, Vice President John Paul Lichon chose not to renew his term. Consequently, the Vice-President office will remain vacant for the time being.

"We thank John Paul for his hard work and dedication to NASPA’s mission. We wish him success in his role as an international pilgrimage coordinator," said NASPA President Carol Bezak. "We look forward to collaborating with the new members to advance the mission of shrines and pilgrimage in the U.S."

The NASPA Board is always on the lookout for dedicated leaders. The board meets virtually every third Wednesday at 3 PM Eastern Time and in person as needed. Each office's duties are outlined in the NASPA by-laws.

If you are interested in serving on the NASPA board, please email our President Carol Bezak at cbezak@carmelites.com.

Photos from the 2025 NASPA Convention

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