FAQs & Guidelines

Dress & Photography Guidelines

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 Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe 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

Thank you for giving the respect due to God at Our Lady’s 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. The photography, however, must 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.

Photos inside the Shrine Church are permitted. However, please turn off the flash.

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

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

Fashion shoots

Photos showing disrespect

Photos intended for resale (due to copyright violations)

These same rules apply for video use.

Service Animals

Only service animals. No pets permitted.
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 Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe 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 in the parking lot.

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?
Removal from Shrine Grounds
Other types of Service Animals

Pilgrimage FAQs

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?
Hours of Operation and Directions

Hours

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Flores Mariae Gift Shop is open from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily.

The Culina Mariana Café hours click here.

Directions

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
5250 Justin Road
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601

From the East

From I-90 E, take Exit 5 toward WI-16 E. Turn left on WI-16 W. Continue onto Losey Boulevard N for 3 miles. Turn left onto US-14 E/US-61 S/WI-35 S/Mormon Coulee Road and continue for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto US-14 E/US-61 S and continue for 1.3 miles. Turn right onto Justin Road. The entrance to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be 0.3 miles on the right.

From the West

From I-90 W, take Exit 5 for WI-16 toward Onalaska. Turn right onto WI-16 W and continue for 4.5 miles. Continue onto Losey Boulevard N for another 3.0 miles. Turn left onto US-14 E/US-61 S/WI-35 S/Mormon Coulee Road and continue for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto US-14 E/US-61 S and continue for 1.3 miles. Turn right onto Justin Road. The entrance to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be 0.3 miles on the right.
Does the Shrine have any recommendations for lodging?
Is a lot of walking required to see the Shrine?
How far in advance should I begin planning my pilgrimage?
Accommodations for visitors

Does the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe have overnight accommodations for visitors?
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe does not have overnight accommodations for visitors at this time.

Are there parking or admittance fees?
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is free and open to the public.

Are there any picnic tables on the grounds?
Yes, picnic tables are available near the parking lot from April through October.

Are pets permitted on the grounds?
With the exception of assistance animals, pets are not permitted on the grounds of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Is transportation provided on the grounds for visitors with physical disabilities?
Yes, golf cart transportation is provided daily to and from the Shrine Church starting at the Pilgrim Center for visitors with physical disabilities. Wheelchairs are also available in the Pilgrim Center and Shrine Church.
Is the Shrine closed on any days during the year?
Are there any special events at the shrine for group visits?
Do you offer group discounts in the Culina Mariana Café?

General FAQs

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 Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually, including individuals, families and organized pilgrimage groups. The staff of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe 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, as well as groups desiring a spiritual retreat. Come alone, come with family, or come as part of a group.
What is the weather like in La Crosse?

La Crosse has a temperate climate. July is the warmest month of the year, when the average high temperature is 85 °F (29 °C). January is the coldest month, with high temperatures averaging 26 °F (-4 °C). Periods of heavy snowfall are normal during winter months.
How may I support the ongoing mission of the Shrine?
Does the Shrine permit weddings?
Is the Shrine affiliated with or receive financial assistance from the Diocese of La Crosse?

FAQs & Guidelines

Dress & Photography Guidelines

Please Dress Modestly

Service Animals

Pilgrimage FAQs

Hours

Directions

General FAQs

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