From Italy to Auriesville: A pilgrimage closer to home

I'm in a pilgrim state of mind, so it seemed like a natural segue to go from sacred places in Rome to sacred places in upstate New York. One of my favorite pilgrimage sites only 45 minutes from my house is the Shrine of the North American Martyrs (above), where Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha was born and where Jesuit priests Isaac Jogues and Rene Goupil and lay missioner John LaLande where martyred. It's a beautiful spot soaked with a spirituality that resonates with every step.

I was there this weekend for a Boy Scout Mass, where Noah received his Ad Altare Dei award along with seven other boys from our troop. It was a beautiful day at a beautiful place. Here are a few photos from the visit.

In the ravine, where Isaac Jogues buried the body of Rene Goupil. You can read the story in Isaac Jogues' own words:


Our Lady of the Way:


One of many crosses on trees around the shrine:


The end of the ravine trail:

Along the path:








Heading to Mass through the main entrance of the shrine:


Stopping for a moment of prayer:




Seven Sorrows of Our Lady:


A reminder of the shrine's importance in Catholic history:


Our group with Bishop Hubbard after Mass: