National shrine

[1] For a church to receive the status of a national shrine involves a number of steps and certifications.

It must first be designated as a diocesan (or archdiocesan) shrine, an honor conferred by the local bishop or archbishop.

[2] To be designated as a shrine, the subject church must be a place "to which numerous members of the faithful make pilgrimage for a special reason of piety.

[2] When devotion has grown, the (arch)diocesan shrine may petition the national Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Evaluation by the nation's (arch)bishops involves considerations including canon law, liturgy, and doctrine.