Essentials

Dress and Decorum: In order to show respect to our Lord Jesus Christ, truly present in the most Blessed Sacrament, as well as to show a spirit of charity to the Nuns, the Priests and Brothers, and the other pilgrims, we request the following:

+Please observe silence when you enter the Shrine and the EWTN Chapel.

+We encourage you to dress comfortably, but modestly. Please do not wear sleeveless tops, tank tops, shorts, or mini-skirts. Ladies may wear slacks.

+Please do not leave Mass before the Blessed Sacrament has been exposed and the Nuns have finished singing at the Shrine.

+Please do not take pictures inside the Shrine. There are many lovely pictures and postcards you may purchase at the Gift Shop in Castle San Miguel. At all other locations, pictures are permitted.

 Gift Shops: The gift shops serve as the main means of financial support for the nuns. Each has a unique selection of beautiful statues, crucifixes, rosaries, books, videos, and many other “holy reminders” to nurture your faith. The Shrine’s gift shop is open Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The EWTN gift shop is open 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday and 8 AM to 3PM on Saturday. Be sure to visit both! 

Shuttles: Some motels in the EWTN area have shuttle service to EWTN and to the Birmingham International Airport. On Mondays and Wednesdays, The Best Western Rime Garden Inn and Suites also has a round-trip shuttle between Irondale and the Shrine. Shuttle costs, if any, can be obtained through individual motels. There is, however, no shuttle service from the Cullman motels to the Shrine. 

Transportation: If you prefer not to drive to Alabama, you may fly into the Birmingham International Airport, come on the Amtrak train, or use the Greyhound Bus service. You will need to set up your own transportation from these terminals. Budget Car and Truck Rental offers special deals for EWTN Pilgrims. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended and may be booked by calling 205-322-3596, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Central Time).  

Meals: No food services are available on the grounds of EWTN or the Shrine. Picnic tables, vending machines and indoor facilities are available for those individuals who wish to bring a picnic lunch. Also, groups may have catered meals delivered to the Shrine or EWTN. Each group leader is responsible for making arrangements. A list of caterers is included for your convenience.

 Caterers near EWTN (for groups only): 

Mr. A’s Eatery and Market
2832 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale, AL 35210
(205) 951-5545
Lunch & Dinner (Hot or Cold) 

Domino’s Pizza
1506 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL 35210
(205) 956-8300
Lunch & Dinner
*10 or more Pizzas: Large, 1-topping for $7.00 each

 Subway Sandwiches & Salads
5415 Beacon Dr., Irondale, AL 35210
(205) 951-2522

Caterers near the Shrine (for groups only):

Seven Winds Kitchen (Jane Gammon)
Phone: 256-734-0246
Fax: 205-556-0036
Breakfast; Box Lunches 

Contact Us

If you have any questions about pilgrimages, please contact our Pilgrimage Department:     

Email:             pilgrimages@ewtn.com
Telephone:    205/271-2966 option 1

Address:             Eternal Word Television Network
Pilgrimage Department
5817 Old Leeds Road
Irondale, AL 35210

Fax:     205/271-2957