In the early 17th century Jesuit Missionaries from France made their way to the New World alongside many hopeful pioneers. New France (composed of modern day Quebec and northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine state) became the hub for intense Catholic missionary activity during the 17 century, which saw the conversion of many natives, among whom we cherish especially St. Kateri Tekakwitha. The missions had many struggles, and God rewarded martyrdom to 8 Jesuit Missionaries in towards the mid 1600s. Today, they are a witness to us of the difficulties of sharing the Gospel and the sacrifice it requires to leave everything behind and follow the Lord.

In the 19th Century, Catholics living in central New York sought to build a shrine to the Martyrs that had given their lives for the faith. Our pilgrimage seeks to visit that shrine, set on the location of the Mohawk village where St. Isaac Jogues and Jean de Lalande were martyred and amazingly St. Kateri is thought to be born.

The pilgrimage seeks to walk from the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, located in downtown Albany, along the Mohawk River. Rivers were the primary form of navigation in the pre-technological era, they were the “GPS” of navigation in the New World. It is quite likely that our martyrs walked along the Mohawk River much like we will this week.

Pilgrimage Route (Google Map)

A forewarning and a challenge. Pilgrimage is demanding, both physically and spiritually. It will put your whole self to the test. Please prepare carefully for this journey, and be open and honest with the trip leaders to ensure that you have all the tools at your disposal to complete the pilgrimage.

Day 1 – Drive to Albany | Hike 8.1 Miles from the Cathedral Basilica to St. Ambrose Church (Latham, NY) | Night in Troy, NY at the Pilgrim House

Day 2 – Mass 8:00 St. Joseph’s Parish (Troy, NY) | Drive to Pilgrimage Start | Hike 17.4 Miles from St. Ambrose Church to St. Joseph Church (Scotia, NY) | Night in Troy, NY at the Pilgrim House

Day 3 – Drive to Pilgrimage Start | Hike 16.3 Miles from St. Joseph Church (Scotia, NY) to St. Mary’s Church (Amsterdam, NY) | Night in Troy, NY at the Pilgrim House

Day 4 – Drive to Pilgrimage Start | Hike 8.2 Miles from St. Mary’s Church (Amsterdam, NY) to Our Lady of the Martyr’s Shrine (Auriesville, NY) | Drive back to Philly

Please fill out the information in the forms thoughtfully – carefully. Creatio wants to make sure that they are doing all that they can to ensure a healthy experience.

Upon sign-up, Creatio will provide you with more information regarding the trip needs.