Dress Guidelines

Please Dress Modestly

We all have a responsibility to each other to dress modestly, especially during the warmer seasons. Appropriate dress is conducive to an atmosphere of prayer and of meeting the Lord. The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy is a place of religious pilgrimage and of worship. Thus, reverence in manner of dress and behavior is appreciated.

“To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament (i.e. the Holy Eucharist) … Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest.” (cf. CCC 1387)

Inappropriate dress is distracting to maintaining a prayerful atmosphere, and it becomes a source of temptation and sets a bad example when attending Holy Mass and other devotions.

Inappropriate clothing includes:

• short shorts
• skirts above the knee
• low neckline
• sleeveless shirts
• exposed midriff
• exposed back
• clothing that is tight-fitting
• clothing that is see-through
• clothing that bears offensive print or imagery
• *We ask all men to remove their hats.

Thank you for giving the respect due to God at our Shrine.

Photography Guidelines

The principal purpose of the Shrine is a place of prayer, pilgrimage and worship.

We understand that you may want to take photographs of many of the beautiful areas of the Shrine, including the Church. Photography, and videography are strictly forbidden in the church during Mass, Adoration, and prayer time. During the times that it is permitted, please do not us the flash. Photography, must also respect the personal “space” and privacy of other pilgrims. For example, including a photo of a pilgrim in prayer and posting that photo on social media is inappropriate unless he/she gives prior permission. Please be considerate of others.

Tripods are not permitted in the Shrine Church without written permission from the Shrine Rector.

ALL COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY IS FORBIDDEN WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL.

If you arrive with extensive photo gear and/or a tripod, expect to be asked your intentions. We realize there are enthusiasts who bring such gear for personal photography, but many more come to shoot images commercially and consider the Shrine merely a prop or background.

THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT PERMITTED:

• Engagement photos
• Wedding photos
• Senior Photos
• Graduation Photos
• Fashion shoots
• Photos showing disrespect
• Photos intended for resale (due to copyright violations)

Service Animals

Only service animals. No pets permitted.
No pets are permitted beyond the Shrine grounds. Only service animals are permitted beyond the Shrine grounds.

What is a Service Animal?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a Service Animal is defined as an animal that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy welcomes service animals. A Service Animal is allowed to accompany an individual with a disability to all areas of the Shrine where pilgrims are normally allowed entry. Non-service dogs (pets) are permitted only on the grounds of Eden Hill.

Examples of common tasks performed by Service Animals:

• Guide an individual who is vision impaired.
• Alert an individual who is hearing impaired.
• Pull a wheelchair.
• Alert an individual to the onset of a seizure.

Are emotional support animals permitted?
No, emotional support animals are not permitted. Under the (ADA), an animal whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support to an individual does not qualify as a Service Animal.

Removal from Shrine Grounds
A Service Animal can be asked to leave the Shrine grounds if it is out of control and its owner does not take effective action to control it or when the Service Animal is not housebroken.

Other types of Service Animals
While dogs are the most common Service Animals, miniature horses, and monkeys may also be recognized as ADA Service Animals.

Pilgrimage

What is a Pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage as a journey to a sacred place undertaken as an act of religious devotion.

Its purpose may be simply to venerate a certain saint or ask some spiritual favor; beg for a physical cure or perform an act of penance; express thanks or fulfill a promise. From the earliest days pilgrimages were made to the Holy Land, and later on to Rome, where Peter and Paul and so many Christians were martyred. From the eighth century the practice began of imposing a pilgrimage in place of public penance. As a result, during the Middle Ages pilgrimages were organized on a grand scale and became the object of special Church legislation. In modern times, beside Rome and the Holy Land, famous shrines such as Lourdes, Fatima, and Guadalupe draw thousands of pilgrims each year from the Catholic world.
— Modern Catholic Dictionary, Servant of God Father John A. Hardon, S.J.

How many people can go on a pilgrimage?
As few or as many people may come to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy on pilgrimage. Individuals, families, parishes, and even the faithful of an archdiocese, visit the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy on pilgrimage.

RV's

We do NOT allow overnight parking. Pilgrims are allowed to park their RVs in the parking lot for the day.

Hours of Operation and Directions

The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy Church is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Gift Shop is open from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily.

Café: click here.

Directions: click here

Other options to travel to the Shrine

National Shrine of the Divine Mercy

What is a Shrine?

A shrine is a prominent sacred locality. It may be the burial place of a saint, or where he or she lived or died, or where a heavenly apparition took place. Shrines are the focuses of pilgrimages by the faithful and often of miraculous phenomena approved by the Church.
— Modern Catholic Dictionary, Servant of God Father John A. Hardon, S.J.

What types of groups generally visit the Shrine?
The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually, including individuals, families and organized pilgrimage groups. The staff of The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy is available to assist you in the organization of pilgrimages for a variety of groups: senior citizens, men’s and women’s organizations, First Holy Communion and Confirmation candidates, school children. Come alone, come with family, or come as part of a group.

What is the weather like in Stockbridge?
Stockbridge has a temperate climate. July is the warmest month of the year, when the average high temperature is 84 °F. January is the coldest month, with high temperatures averaging 33 °F. Periods of heavy snowfall are normal during winter months.
Learn more.

How may I support the ongoing mission of the Shrine?
To learn about various ways to support the ongoing mission of The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy please visit the Get Involved page. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Does the Shrine permit weddings?
NO, The Catholic Church teaches that the Sacraments of Marriage and Baptism are most properly celebrated within the worshiping community of a parish; therefore, the Shrine does not celebrate weddings or baptisms.

Is the Shrine affiliated with or receive financial assistance from the Diocese of Springfield?
The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy is located in the Diocese of Springfield, but is not an entity of the Diocese of Springfield. The Shrine of the Divine Mercy is financially independent of the Diocese of Springfield.

Questions?

We welcome your questions and/or comments. Please send all queries to [email protected].

Contact Us:

2 Prospect Hill Road
Stockbridge, MA. 01262
(413) 298-3931
[email protected]

Shrine Mailing Address
National Shrine of the Divine Mercy
PO Box 951
Stockbridge, MA 01262