Shrine
A shrine is a sacred place — a church, chapel, or site — built around a relic, apparition, or notable devotion, drawing pilgrims for prayer and veneration.
What Makes a Shrine
A shrine is usually associated with a specific saint, a Marian apparition, or a relic, giving it a particular focus that distinguishes it from an ordinary parish church.
National and Minor Shrines
The Church formally designates some shrines as "national" or "minor basilicas," recognizing their importance while distinguishing them from cathedrals, which are seats of a bishop.
Related Saints
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a shrine the same as a church?
A shrine may or may not also function as a parish church — its defining feature is the specific devotion or relic it's built around, not its role in daily parish life.
Can anyone visit a shrine?
Yes — shrines are generally open to all visitors, whether they come for prayer, pilgrimage, or simply to learn about the devotion connected to the site.