FAQ

NASPA is short for the National Association of Shrine and Pilgrimage apostolate. NASPA is a membership association of shrines and organizations committed to promoting the spiritual practice of pilgrimage in the United States and around the globe.

A pilgrimage is a dedicated journey or time set aside for spiritual growth or renewal. With deep roots in our faith history, pilgrimages today vary widely. Some pilgrimage for a few hours, and some for a few days. What's important is your sense of purpose: to reconnect, revitalize, and renew your faith.

A Shrine is a Church or other sacred place which the faithful make pilgrimages for a particular pious reason with the approval of the local ordinary. Canon 1230 specifically states, "The term shrine signifies a church or other sacred place to which the faithful make pilgrimages for a particular pious reason with the approval of the local ordinary." The distinguishing mark of a shrine is that it is a place to which the faithful make pilgrimages. USCCB

NASPA has two types of memberships: Shrine and Sponsor. NASPA Shrine Members include National and Diocesan Pilgrimage sites in the United States. NASPA Sponsor Member include organizations dedicated to supporting Shrines and pilgrimage and can include organizations from all over the world.