Canada

Kateri Pilgrimage
8-day Itinerary

Day 1:  ALBANY            
Visit National Shrine of North American Martyrs The Coliseum is one of the first circular churches in the United States. Built in 1930, it holds about 6000 people. When you walk through the Ravine, you will read the story of the martyrs. The Seven Sorrows of Mary also follow a path around the Shrine in a beautiful mosaic form, prayers posted at each station. Theresa's Rosary, the Pieta, the Ravine, and so many other features of the Shrine grounds inspire constant prayer as you continue to walk along these holy grounds. Celebrate Mass at the Stations of the Cross. D

Day 2:  ALBANY TO BURLINGTON
Visit the Fonda National Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine.  Kateri lived a life of remarkable virtue, a “praying Indian” as well as a Christian virgin.  She attained the most perfect union with her Creator in prayer.   Celebrate Mass at the Stations of the Cross. Enjoy the many sights of downtown Burlington. B, D
                                                  
                                         
Day 3:  BURLINGTON TO MONTREAL
Visit St. Anne’s Shrine which combines historical and spiritual significance in one small property. Accessible by boat or car, this peaceful religious facility on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain makes a pleasant day trip from any location in the North Country. Saint Anne was the mother of the Virgin Mary.  The shrine displays a small collection of crutches and other mobility aids abandoned upon healing while praying to Saint Anne. A 15-foot gold-leaf statue of Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, stands out among the many grottos. Visit St. Joseph’s Oratory and Museum.  The Oratory’s dome is the second-largest of it kind in the world after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the church is the largest in Canada.  Many miracles are attributed to prayers offered her and on display in the basilica are thousands of crutches from those who came to the basilica and were allegedly healed.  Pope John Paul II deemed these miracles to be authentic.  B, D
                                         
Day 4:  MONTREAL
Visit Notre Dame de Bon Secours Chapel at “Our Lady of Good Help.”  One of the oldest churches in Montreal, built in 1771, it has come to be a pilgrimage site for the sailors who arrived in the Old Port of Montreal where they would make offerings to the Virgin in gratitude for her “good help” for safe sea voyages.  The chapel also houses the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, dedicated to the life of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys and to the early history of Montreal and the chapel site.  Enjoy the many sights of Old Montreal on your own.  B, D

Day 5:  MONTREAL TO QUEBEC CITY
Take a Catholic Walking Tour of Quebec City. Visit La Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame de Quebec The Notre-Dame de Quebec parish is the oldest parish in North America. Even though the Notre-Dame de Quebec basilica-cathedral has been twice destroyed by fire over the centuries, it has always been reconstructed on the site of the original church, which was built in 1647. The décor of the present-day cathedral is simply astonishing. The sanctuary will amaze you with its gold-plated baldaquin, main altar and episcopal canopy. There are also magnificent stained-glass windows, paintings and the Sanctuary lamp that was a gift from Louis XIV. Being the seat of the bishop within the Quebec Diocese, there are former bishops of the diocese, as well as four governors of Quebec intombed in the crypt. There is also a chapel consecrated to François de Laval, the first bishop of Quebec. Enjoy the stunning sound and light show of the Act of Faith.  B, D

DAY 6: QUEBEC CITY TO TROIS RIVIERES
Visit Basilica Sainte-Anne-De-Beaupre.  The first of the ten chapels of this Basilica, one of Canada's most famous Catholic Shrines and places of pilgrimage, was built in 1658. A beautiful statue of Ste Anne can be seen inside the chapel—often referred to as the Statue of Miracles because it has ostensibly answered many prayers. The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre is located across from the Saint Lawrence River in a beautiful, tranquil setting, about 20 minutes east of Quebec City.  Each year, over a million and a half pilgrims and visitors come to the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré to spend some time in peaceful prayer and reflection. The Shrine, which will celebrate its 350th anniversary in 2008, is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in North America. Through the presence of Saint Anne and her daughter Mary, the Redemptorist community and their collaborators welcome you to Saint Anne's loving home.  B, D

DAY 7: TROIS RIVIERES TO MONTREAL      
Visit Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap.  The largest sanctuary to the Virgin Mary in North America was officially opened in 1964, but its origins date back to the mid-17th century. With magnificent stained-glass windows, a 75-stop pipe organ and an enormous park overlooking the St. Lawrence River, this is a supremely peaceful and contemplative site. Created in 1938 and adorned with a statue of Our Lady on a small island, St-Mary's Lake provides a gathering place for personal meditation and nightly candlelight processions.  B, D
                                         
DAY 8: MONTREAL
Depart for home.