There are various sites dedicated to the earthly father of Jesus across the country and throughout the world. But what if I told you that you could make a Saint Joseph pilgrimage right here in the United States?
Here’s a list of eight shrines dedicated to Saint Joseph, alongside visiting information!
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
Shrine of St. Joseph–Guardian of the Redeemer – Santa Cruz, Calif.
This shrine is a ministry of the Oblates of St. Joseph. It’s a beautiful church overlooking the Pacific Ocean!
The shrine website talks of the practice of making a pilgrimage as a Catholic and encourages readers to make one to their shrine here in the United States.
“We believe that Catholics should also consider a pilgrimage closer to home. We hope that our Shrine of St. Joseph can be a destination for Catholic pilgrims within California, or from throughout North America. Even if you can only spend 2 hours with us, we believe your time here will strengthen your relationship with God.”
You can find more information about planning a pilgrimage here.
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
Miraculous Staircase of Loretto Chapel – Santa Fe, New Mexico
ChurchPOP editor Jacqueline Burkepile previously reported on the incredible story of the spiral staircase here!
According to the article, the chapel is no longer affiliated with the Catholic Church. It is used as a museum and hosts non-denominational weddings.
However, it remains a fascinating spot with an incredible story of the alleged power of Saint Joseph’s intercession.
The Loretto Chapel is open 364 days a year, closing only on Christmas Day. You can plan your visit using a helpful calendar that verifies business hours here.
Note: There is an admission fee. According to the Chapel’s website, the museum relies solely on visitors. It does not belong to the diocese and was deconsecrated accordingly. More info on the price of admission here.
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
National Shrine of St. Joseph – De Pere, Wisconsin
The National Shrine of St. Joseph is located on the grounds of St. Norbert College.
According to the shrine’s website, “The National Shrine is frequented by thousands of pilgrims each year seeking St. Joseph’s powerful intercession and to follow his humble, quiet example in a humble, quiet place.”
During your visit, you can view one of only 17 crowned Josephian statues in the world by papal decree–the only one in the United States!
There is an opportunity online to submit a prayer request to be remembered each Wednesday during the community’s novena prayers to St. Joseph. You can access the form here.
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
Shrine of St. Joseph – Grass Lake, Michigan
This shrine is the location for the United States branch of the Pious Union of St. Joseph, Patron for the Suffering and Dying.
The group paints a dream-like picture on their pilgrimage page, inviting readers to make a visit:
“Whether for a consecration or for a prayerful afternoon, we invite you to make a pilgrimage to the Pious Union of St. Joseph. The chapel at the Pious Union provides an ideal place to attend Holy Mass. Statues of Mary and St. Joseph flank the raised altar, and stained glass windows of angels fill the chapel with colorful light…”
“With a beautiful chapel, expansive grounds, and plenty of space for kids to stretch their legs, The Pious Union is a great place to visit. In these times when the family is under attack, we can pay homage to the ‘most loving of fathers’ and pray for peace and unity.”
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
St. Joseph Shrine – Detroit, Michigan
The Canons of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest operate this parish. These priests offer the Tridentine Latin Mass and provide novena prayers to Saint Joseph each Wednesday.
The full mass and event schedule is available on their website!
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
Shrine of St. Joseph – St. Louis, Missouri
This shrine is the site of the only Vatican-authenticated miracle in a Midwestern church. The shrine’s history is very interesting. You can read here.
Two miracles have occurred at this location!
One miracle resulted in the canonization of Saint Peter Claver. The other occurred when parishioners were protected from a cholera outbreak after making a solemn vow to St. Joseph.
The shrine offers tours every Sunday after Mass, in addition to privately-scheduled group tours and a virtual tour on their website.
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
Shrine of St. Joseph – Stirling, New Jersey
Fr. Thomas Augustine Judge, C.M., established the shrine in 1924. It functions as a mission under the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity.
Their website explains that a visit to their shrine is an experience unlike any other:
“The oratory features a beautiful mosaic featuring several key moments in the life of St. Joseph, a work that tells a story to all pilgrims that visit the Chapel. The chapel is located just outside the entrance to the Gift Shop and is meant to be a place of prayer and reflection on the life of St. Joseph. Just as St. Joseph protected the Holy Family, we ask for his protection on all families, and God’s family, the Church.”
You can schedule your pilgrimage here.
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
St. Joseph the Worker Shrine – Lowell, Massachusetts
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate dedicated this shrine in 1956. Not only is there a beautiful church, but also a museum showcasing the founding of the order.
You can find more information on the shrine here.