Bishop Richard Reidy and Fr. Brian Maxwell are inviting the faithful to join them on Monday, October 19, for a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, New York, to honor the North American Martyrs on their feast day.
Pilgrims will meet at the shrine, at 136 Shrine Road in Fultonville, and join other visitors from across the region in celebrating the feast with a Shrine Mass, a walk through the shrine's historic grounds, and a community lunch with Bishop Reidy.
Where three saints gave their lives
Auriesville is a well-known place of pilgrimage. Three Jesuit martyrs, St. Isaac Jogues, St. René Goupil and St. John de LaLande, gave their lives there in the 1600s as they brought the Christian faith to the newly discovered world.
The shrine's centerpiece is the enormous Coliseum. Built in 1930, it seats 6,500 and houses relics, carved wooden statues and a large crucifix high above the altar.
The grounds also hold a connection to another American saint. Ten years after the martyrs died, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, known as "The Lily of the Mohawks," was born on the same land.
Walking the Ravine
One of the most moving parts of the day will be the walk down the shrine's famous Ravine. It was there that St. Isaac Jogues searched for and buried the body of his companion, René Goupil.
Pilgrims will also have time to visit the Shrine Museum to learn the history of the saints, browse the gift store, and share lunch together with Bishop Reidy in the visitor center.
Schedule for the day
10:00 a.m. – Confessions in the Coliseum
11:00 a.m. – Feast Day Mass with Bishop Reidy
12:00 noon – Lunch, gift store, and the saints' history at the Shrine Museum
Afternoon – Explore and pray on the shrine grounds and in the Ravine
Getting there
This is a meet-us-there pilgrimage, so participants are asked to arrange their own travel. Organizers encourage carpooling and suggest that everyone pack a lunch.
The shrine is about 188 miles, or roughly three hours, from Norwich. Travelers from Norwich should plan to leave around 7 a.m. or earlier to arrive in time for confessions.
When: Monday, October 19. Confessions begin at 10 a.m.
Where: National Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs, 136 Shrine Rd., Fultonville (Auriesville), NY
From Norwich: 188 miles, about 3 hours. Leave by 7 a.m., or earlier.
Bring: A packed lunch. Carpool if you can.
