A national shrine is a Catholic church or other sacred place which has met certain requirements and is given this honor by the national episcopal conference to recognize the church's special cultural, historical, and religious significance. [1]
A national shrine is a Catholic church or other sacred place which has met certain requirements and is given this honor by the national episcopal conference to recognize the church's special cultural, historical, and religious significance. [1]
For a church to receive the status of a national shrine involves a number of steps and certifications. It must first be designated as a diocesan (or archdiocesan) shrine, an honor conferred by the local bishop or archbishop. [2] To be designated as a shrine, the subject church must be a place "to which numerous members of the faithful make pilgrimage for a special reason of piety." [1] It must exceed other churches in terms of worship, Christian formation, and social services. [2] When these requirements are met, the parish petitions the (arch)bishop to canonically elevate the church. [2]
When devotion has grown, the (arch)diocesan shrine may petition the national Conference of Catholic Bishops. Evaluation by the nation's (arch)bishops involves considerations including canon law, liturgy, and doctrine. [2]
Declaration of an international shrine is conferred by the Holy See similar to basilicas. [3]
There are 230 national shrines in the world, as well as eleven international shrines. [6]
There are four national shrines in Africa.
There are 46 national shrines in Asia.
There are eight international shrines (listed above) and 37 national shrines in Europe.
There are 101 national shrines in North America.
Source: [14]
There are 72 national shrines in the United States.
There are five national shrines in Oceania.
There are 35 national shrines in South America.
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