Our Annual Parish Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Martyrs
One of the most beautiful traditions that has emerged in the life of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish is our annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Martyrs in Auriesville. Each year, parishioners of all ages journey together to one of the holiest places in North America not simply to remember our Catholic heritage, but to renew our commitment to the mission Christ has entrusted to His Church.
Long before there was a Diocese of Syracuse, before there was a city called Utica, and long before there was a Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, the Gospel was already being proclaimed on the hills of Auriesville. It was there that St. Isaac Jogues, St. René Goupil, and St. Jean de Lalande gave their lives rather than abandon their mission of bringing others to Jesus Christ. It was there, too, that St. Kateri Tekakwitha encountered the Catholic faith and became the first Native American saint. The ground upon which the Shrine stands has been made holy by the faith, sacrifice, and missionary zeal of these remarkable saints.
Their witness is not simply part of our history.
It is part of our identity.
As we continue embracing Vision 2031, our parish has committed itself to becoming a community where people encounter Jesus Christ, grow as His disciples, and go forth on mission. That mission did not begin with us. We are privileged to continue the work begun by those courageous missionaries who first brought the Gospel to our region. Every pilgrimage to Auriesville reminds us that the Church has always grown because ordinary men and women were willing to say "yes" to God's call. Their example challenges us to become missionary disciples in our own homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools.
This year's pilgrimage comes at a particularly meaningful moment in the life of our parish. As we continue writing the next chapter of our history together, there is no better place to seek the Lord's guidance than where the seeds of the faith were first planted in our region. We will ask the North American Martyrs and St. Kateri to intercede for our parish, that we may become ever more joyful in worship, intentional in discipleship, generous in hospitality, and bold in sharing the Gospel.
I warmly invite you to join us on Saturday, August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Together we will celebrate Holy Mass, pray the Rosary through the historic ravine, have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, visit the museum and exhibits, and enjoy fellowship as a parish family. I especially encourage parents and grandparents to invite their children and grandchildren to join them. There is no better classroom than the witness of the saints, and this family-friendly pilgrimage offers a wonderful opportunity to pass on the gift of our Catholic faith to the next generation.
Every pilgrimage has two destinations. The first is the shrine itself. The second is home. We journey to Auriesville so that we might return renewed more deeply in love with Jesus Christ, more grateful for our parish family, and more committed to living the Gospel each day. If you have never joined us before, I encourage you to make this the year. I truly believe the Lord has a grace waiting for you there, and I hope you'll come and experience it with your parish family.
Your Servant in Christ,
Father Jason C. Hage, Pastor
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us!