Question 1

What is NASPA?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is a Pilgrimage?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is a Shrine?

Accepted Answer

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)

Question 4

Who can Join NASPA?

Accepted Answer

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.

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