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Thank you for choosing The National Shrine of Divine Mercy as your Pilgrimage Destination. We look forward to seeing you here!

Registration of Groups Bigger than 15 People

We ask groups of 15 or more to register, so that we can be sure to welcome all those who come to join us. We are a large property, but a tiny staff (both clerical and lay), so we appreciate your cooperation. There is more information under the Group Registration section of the website. There is no need to call in advance; the system will allow you to register online if we have room available on the day you would like to join us. Please email [email protected] with further questions. Thank you!

Recommended Arrival Time

 We have found that If group arrives by 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. they can fit in making the Way of the Cross, a hike to the Grotto, a visit the Gift Shop, and have a picnic lunch, leaving time to attend Mass, Confessions and the Chaplet in the afternoon.  (No food is available for sale here, so you will need to bring your own lunch.)   

First time visitors and groups often need help planning their visit to the National Shrine and exploring the many sites on Eden Hill; feel free to choose one of our Sample Day Trip Schedules.
 

Groups Coming by Bus/Motorcoach

You must register a group coming by Bus or Motor Coach by registering online (here).  If you have questions, or have trouble registering online, please call the Group Pilgrimages office at 413-298-1119 or email the Group Pilgrimages Coordinator at [email protected].

What are the steps to register my bus group to visit the National Shrine?

1. Click here to register your group.
2. Please select your pilgrimage date and fill out the rest of the form. If you are able to help with the daily expenses of the National Shrine, there is an opportunity to give a suggested donation of $100. Once the form is filled out, you will receive a confirmation of your trip via email.
3. Please email the National Shrine pilgrimage coordinator at [email protected] to receive further information for planning your pilgrimage.

*We ask that you join in the existing afternoon Mass and devotion schedule, especially if you do not have a priest accompanying the group.
*If your pilgrimage group speaks only a language other than English, please notify the pilgrimage coordinator of this fact in advance.

Buses

We ask that you please enter at the Pine Street entrance and unload all pilgrims in the big parking lot near the Divine Mercy statue. To keep everyone safe, please do not load or unload pilgrims in front of the National Shrine Church. Due to Massachusetts state law, buses are not allowed to idle for more than 5 minutes or however long it takes for pilgrims to disembark.

For safety reasons

• All buses and bus drivers must remain on the property during your stay. There is a lounge available near the big parking lot for your bus driver.
• It is very important that the group coordinator has the cellphone number of the bus driver as well as that of each pilgrim on the trip.

The National Shrine Church is surprisingly small! On busy days, all services will be held outside at the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine. Please prepare accordingly for this possibility (see “weather” section below).

Free maps and schedules are available once you arrive, and can be picked up at the Gift Shop and National Shrine reception area.

Directions

Click here for Directions  PLEASE NOTE: Buses are not allowed in front of the Shrine or Marian residence.

Food

We invite bus pilgrims to bring their own coolers and/or bagged lunches to enjoy during the day. In the warmer months, there is a sheltered outside area with picnic tables available for your use.

In the cooler months, Memorial Hall in the basement of the Natonal Shrine is available for your use. You can feel free to order lunches from Elm Street Market in downtown Stockbridge which will deliver directly to your group. We ask pilgrims not to cook or reheat any food on Shrine property.

We do not have a cafeteria or restaurant available on Eden Hill. We do have beverage and snack machines located in the basement of the National Shrine.

No food, merchandise or literature may be sold or distributed on Eden Hill by anyone other than the Marians without written permission from the National Shrine Rector.

Accessibility

The National Shrine Church, restrooms, and Gift Shop are handicapped-accessible. A public elevator is available in the National Shrine building. We recommend for pilgrims to bring their own walkers, wheelchairs, hearing augmentation devices, and other necessary medical items. Currently the National Shrine does not provide these items.

Handicap Parking

Limited handicap parking is located in front of the National Shrine Church and the Divine Mercy Gift Shop, except during special events when a shuttle service from the Divine Mercy parking lot to the National Shrine is available for those with a handicap or other mobility issues.

Golf Cart Protocol/Pilgrims with Mobility Issues

A golf cart driven by a Marian brother or Shrine volunteer will be available for elderly pilgrims, those with mobility issues, or other medical needs.

Clergy

Per the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, all visiting priests or deacons outside the Diocese of Springfield, MA who wish to celebrate/concelebrate Mass or hear confessions must present a letter on official letterhead from their Chancery (or in the case of a religious, his Superior). It should include the exact date of their visit to the National Shrine stating they are in good standing in the Church. Please fax this document in 30 days in advance of your pilgrimage to our Pilgrimage Coordinator at 413-298-3910. We no longer accept celebret cards. The individual priest/deacon is responsible to make certain their documents reach the Shrine.

All clergy are to please check in with the Shrine Receptionist upon arrival. The National Shrine will provide vestments for your convenience, if necessary.

Please know that we are a small Shrine with limited staff and volunteers. We will do our best to accommodate your requests and help in making your pilgrimage a fruitful one. Please call the Pilgrimage Office if you have any questions or concerns.

Hours of Operation

NOTE: You are not considered registered until we receive your paperwork. Except during special events, we are able to accommodate a limited number of buses per day - on a first come, first served basis.