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 (https://www.usccb.org/committees/divine-worship/policies/norms-for-national-shrines)

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.