The one you are talking about is a traditional and formal method, and I deeply respect it. But saints are not limited to shrines, they are everywhere if someone has vision to detect. They maybe engineers and doctors and teachers, social workers and home makers, cooks and bakers. Ever visited a doctor whose clinic is jam-packed at any given hour of the day? Ever came across a teacher whose charisma takes you in some other world? Ever visited a restaurant that always has a waiting que? Pious people are everywhere, if it wasnt for them, the evil would bring the doom’s day tomorrow.
Hence I said, if one keenly looks for guidance, God will make arrangements.