Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine (N.A. Martyrs)

A month has slipped by, but before we head into Thanksgiving et al., I want to post a few thoughts about my pilgrimage last month.

First off, I have to tell you that I don't have any pictures of the pilgrimage. Why, you ask? Because my phone had a major malfunction a little over a week ago, and I lost all photos since June (which hadn't been backed up - my bad). So you'll just have to take my word for it when I say the beauty and peace of the North American Martyrs Shrine in Auriesville, NY was worth the 6-hour round trip in the bus with 35 middle school students.

The Shrine's grounds comprise what was the 17th century Mohawk village of Ossernenon. The Shrine itself is a massive Church built in the round and named the Colosseum, inspired by the Colosseum in Rome where so many Christian martyrs were maimed and killed in the persecutions. The museum there also provides information about St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American named a saint by the Catholic Church, who was born in the same village over twenty years after the N.A. Martyrs lived and died. Her story is also one of strength, courage, and love, although she did not experience a red martyrdom (of blood). 

Of special note for me was the Ravine, an area of incredible natural beauty, but also the final resting ground of Saint Rene Goupil. His remains were buried there somewhere in an unmarked grave by Saint Isaac Jogues, who risked his own life to do so. These men and the other North American Martyrs have inspired me to pray for more grit, less whining in my daily life. They suffered horrible, disfiguring torture by the Mohawks before being slaughtered and dumped without proper burial. Only Fr. Goupil was actually buried - what was left of him - due to the persistence and love of Fr. Isaac Jogues. 

Having this experience with the middle schoolers was precious because we were able to share some special moments, such as Adoration in the church and praying a Divine Mercy Chaplet together at the Ravine. It was a privilege to be with such young souls as they took in the historical events and the spiritual realities to which those events point. We have since had many good discussions about what it means to be a martyr for the Faith, and how our daily lives should be a testament to our faith and the glory of God. 

Whether you're looking for a spiritual pilgrimage or a historical place to visit, I say don't pass up the opportunity to come to this incredible place just northwest of Albany, NY. 

I just ran out of steam...next entry I will be writing about not one but two film projects I'm engaged with:  "Dream House," a short which we'll be shooting in June of 2023, and that old behemoth that has awakened and demanded my attention, "Korea DreamBus," a documentary 20 years in the making, in which The Jade Monkey rides again!