"It is my hope and the hope of all my Sisters that you will be led to a deeper love for the Child Jesus and the Holy Eucharist, that your soul will be refreshed, and that your spiritual life will be renewed."
- MOTHER ANGELICA

 

individual/family pilgrimage

group pilgrimage

DAILY SCHEDULE

MASSES
7:00am Everyday (Main Church)
10:00am Sunday (Lower Church)
12:00pm Tuesday-Saturday (Lower Church)


 CONFESSIONS

8:00am Everyday
3:00pm Tuesday-Saturday
(Confessions take place inside the Main Church)


NUNS’ PRAYER SCHEDULE

6:05am Office of Readings & Morning Prayer 
Midmorning Prayer (following 7:00am Mass)
11:30am Midday Prayer & Rosary
3:00pm Midafternoon Prayer & Divine Mercy Chaplet
5:00pm Evening Prayer
6:55pm Night Prayer (6:30 on weekends & Solemnities)

 TOURS
 Shrine Tour*
10:30am Wednesday-Saturday

John Paul II Eucharistic Center Tour*
2:00pm Wednesday-Saturday

*To register for either tour, please email the Pilgrimage Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PRINT SCHEDULE

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO


SHRINE HOURS

Summer Hours (During daylight savings time)
6:00am-8:00pm | Daily

Winter Hours
6:00am-6:00pm | Daily

Castle and Gift Shop Hours
Monday - Saturday |  8:00am - 4:45pm

Mother Angelica's Tomb - Lower Church
6:00am-7:30pm | Daily during Summer Hours
6:00am-5:30pm | Daily during Winter Hours

St. Carlo Acutis Exhibit
Monday - Saturday | 8:00am - 4:45pm

 

  
DRESS CODE

Visitors are asked to dress modestly while on Shrine grounds. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and clothing should not be low-cut or form-fiƫing, particularly when entering the Church.
Temporary apparel is available at the Reception desk if needed.

  
PHOTO / VIDEO

Photography and videography are not permitted in the Upper or Lower Churches. Photoshoots by the general public, as well as the use of drones, are not permitted on Shrine grounds. Any photography conducted on the grounds must be expressly approved and sanctioned by the Shrine Director.



ACCESSIBILITY

The Shrine grounds and all buildings are fully accessible. Wheelchairs are available at multiple areas on the premises.

 

ANIMALS ON PROPERTY

Only approved service animals are permitted on Shrine grounds. Service animals are not permitted inside the Church to maintain a reverent and sacred atmosphere.

 

Individual / Family

Pilgrimage

INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY PILGRIMAGE

Whether traveling alone or with loved ones, stop by and rest for a while in the peaceful quiet of the grounds and in the magnificence of the Church. Visitors are welcome to join the regularly scheduled activities or explore the grounds on their own.

Sample Itineraries: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group 

Pilgrimage

(FOR GROUPS OF 15 OR MORE)

GROUP PILGRIMAGE

The Shrine is the perfect place to bring your group to experience renewal and to grow together in friendship and community. We welcome churches, schools, family groups and organizations of all denominations and backgrounds. Our Group Pilgrimage Schedule includes spiritual talks, tours, Mass, Adoration and more.

Step 1

Download Packet

Explore our pilgrimage packet to decide what type of visit you would like to schedule for a group.

PILGRIMAGE PACKET

Step 2

 Fill Out Form

Enter possible travel dates, schedule preferences, and your contact information into the form and submit. For groups of 15 or more ONLY.

GROUP FORM

 

Once you have submitted the online form you will receive an email confirmation. Our Pilgrimage staff will contact you within two business days to assist you with the rest of the planning process.

 

 

 

FAQ

+ Can I bring a non-Catholic group?

Yes! We welcome groups of all faiths.

+ Can I visit EWTN as part of my trip?

Yes! EWTN is located just 1 hour south from the Shrine. To learn about EWTN’s pilgrimage offerings visit: EWTN Pilgrimage

 + Does it cost anything to visit?

No, there is no visiting or scheduling fee. 

+ Are there places to stay on the grounds?

Although we do not have any on-site lodging, there are multiple convenient options nearby that facilitate overnight lodging. Nearby Lodging

 + What is the best way to get to the Shrine with a group?

Most visitors carpool, rent cars or vans, or charter a bus.

+ Can I contact you before filling out the  Group Form?

We are happy to talk with you about any questions you may have! 
Please leave a voicemail or email us and we will contact you as soon as possible.
256-787-4121 , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+ Can the priest traveling with my group offer Mass at the Shrine?

Yes! Please indicate on our online reservation form if your priest would like a private Mass or to concelebrate at the scheduled Daily Masses.
A Letter of Suitability/Good Standing should be sent to both of the following: 

1. Chancellor’s Office,
Diocese of Birmingham, PO Box 12047,
Birmingham, AL 35202-20473
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2. Director of Liturgy, 
3224 Co Rd 548, Hanceville, AL 35077
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

FOOD & LODGING 

 There are no food options or restaurants available on-site at the Shrine. The nearest restaurants are in the town of Hanceville, 10 minutes away, or the city of Cullman, 20 minutes away. A list of local restaurants can be found below.

You may bring your own food with you to the Shrine. We have indoor and outdoor seating areas available,  as well as vending machines, located inside the Castle of San Miguel.

 There are a range of privately owned and operated Guest Houses near the Shrine and also Hotels in Hanceville and Cullman, which can be found below. Please contact the Guest Houses and Hotels directly for rates and availability. 
Be sure to mention you are a Shrine Pilgrim! 

 

 
Catering Options

for groups of 15 or more


List of Restaurants

in the Hanceville & Cullman Area

 
Guest Houses & Hotels

near the Shrine

panoramic view of the shrine's piazza

 

 

“As you journey back into the world, may the memory of this holy place bring you peace.”  
-Mother Angelica