A visit to my favorite local shrine

Earlier this week, I posted about the possibility that Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Lily of the Mohawks, is one step closer to canonization. Well, today I happened to be at the National Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, N.Y., birthplace of Blessed Kateri. I thought I would share some photos with you in hopes that it will inspire you to visit the shrine, which is open until mid-October and then closes (New York winters, you know) until the first week of May.

The view of the surrounding countryside and Mohawk River from the Visitors' Center and Gift Shop:


The three crosses marking the entrance to the main grounds. The crosses bear the names of three martyrs tortured and killed on the grounds where the shrine now stands: St. Isaac Jogues, Jesuit priest; St. Rene Goupil, Jesuit Brother; and St. John Lalande, lay missioner:


Coliseum church, which was built in 1930 and can seat 6,000:


Replica of the Our Lady of Fatima statue that stands in the Vatican Gardens:

Rose bush beneath Our Lady of Fatima, hung with the Rosary beads of pilgrims:


Kateri Chapel, a simple screened-in building, where daily Mass is celebrated:


Many (most) of the trees on the main grounds are marked with crosses and the name of Jesus in honor of St. Isaac Jogues, who taught the faith by carving the basics into trees:


Across the street from the main shrine grounds is the ravine, where you can read in St. Isaac Jogues' own words an account of the death of St. Rene Goupil. It is a peaceful and powerful place:

In the ravine is the Shrine to Our Lady of the Way. It's explained in the photo under this one (click to enlarge and read):

A bridge leading back to the main path of the ravine:


And, once you're finished at the shrine, stop off here for some ice cream and fresh veggies on your way back to the highway: