Many Catholic are familiar with the idea of a pilgrimage. We leave the comforts of home and travel far to a holy site to better understand our faith and ourselves.

It’s common for Catholics to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to experience where Jesus was born, where He preached the Good News, and ultimately where He offered His life for us. Many Catholics make a pilgrimage to Italy to see Rome and its rich Catholic history. Or to explore the towns of Assisi or Turin. Regardless of where Catholics travel, they return home renewed and inspired.

We believe that a 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.

Learn More:

• Schedule of Daily Shrine Activities (Spend 2 Hours with Us)
• Spiritual Readings and Devotions
• Calendar of Important Dates and Devotions

If you find yourself in Santa Cruz, you must venture out on a pilgrimage through all of the closest Spanish Missions! We are blessed that our Shrine of St. Joseph is so near to a handful of missions. Although the Shrine of St. Joseph isn’t a mission, we highly recommend that you make us one of your stops along your pilgrimage.