North American Martyrs Pilgrimage | University of Mary in Bismarck,

President's Club North American Martyrs Pilgrimage

Old Town in Quabec with the Castle in the background.

Follow in the footsteps of those who brought the Faith to North America!

Join Monsignor James Shea, President of the University, on the trip of a lifetime — the first-ever President’s Club North American Martyrs Pilgrimage. This incredible week-long excursion traces the history of some of the most heroic missionaries in the Church to the New World, walking in the footsteps of the courageous North American martyrs and saints, beginning in the storied cities of Quebec and Montreal. The trip culminates in the Big Apple: New York City. You’ll take in the incredible fall foliage of the American Northwest while strolling the cobblestone streets of European-style cities, with amazing meals prepared in the French style and more, all along the way.

Thursday, Oct. 10 — Bismarck/Quebéc City

Take a private charter jet from Bismarck directly to Quebéc City and receive a guided walking pilgrimage tour of �վ��ܳ�-�ϳ�é��.

Friday, Oct. 11 — Quebéc City

Enjoy a riverboat cruise up the Saint Lawrence River, seeing epic architecture such as Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and all the charms of Old Québec.

Saturday, Oct. 12 — Quebéc City/Montreal

Take the Canadian Rail down to Montreal, where you'll visit Saint Patrick’s Basilica and Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral — patterned after Saint Peter’s in Rome.

Sunday, Oct. 13 — Montreal

Visit the Shrine and Tomb of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha in Kahnawake and Saint Joseph’s Oratory — the largest shrine to Saint Joseph in the world.

Monday, Oct. 14 — New York/Connecticut

Make your way to Our Lady of the Martyrs Shrine in Auriesville, New York, the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, and the site of Father McGivney’s tomb, St. Mary’s Church.

Tuesday, Oct. 15 — Connecticut/New York City

Join thousands of Catholics from around the country at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral – America’s Parish Church – for the annual Mass and Eucharistic Procession through the streets of Manhattan.

Wednesday, Oct. 16 — New York City/Bismarck

Enjoy the sites and sounds of New York, and have the opportunity to participate in the Napa Institute’s Annual Fall Conference (there is a separate, discounted registration fee; more info will be provided later).

The prices here include the land itinerary and air travel (including a private, non-stop flight from Bismarck to Quebec City). A breakdown of all included features can be found in the pilgrimage brochure.

President's Club Members: $3,986 per person*

Non-members: $4,486 per person*

*The above prices are based upon double occupancy in the hotel accommodations. The single supplement for those requesting a single room throughout the pilgrimage (if available) is $900. We will gladly try to find roommates for those traveling alone if other such pilgrims are open and willing, but we can make no guarantees.

A down payment of $1,000 per person must be submitted with the application to reserve space on the North American Martyrs Pilgrimage. An additional $1,000 per person is due by May 15, 2024, and the balance in full by July 8, 2024.

Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited. To reserve space on the pilgrimage, mail or deliver the completed reservation form from the pilgrimage brochure (taking special care to sign and initial it as indicated) along with the down payment to:

University of Mary
Office of the Executive Vice President
7500 University Drive
Bismarck, ND 58504

If you have questions, contact Andrew Feist at 701-355-8199 or 800-408-MARY, ext. 8199.

More Pilgrimage Details

Suggested reading: Shadows on the Rock by Willa Cather

A great text to whet your appetite for our Quebecois adventure is the marvelous historical novel by famed midwestern author Willa Cather (O, Pioneers!; Death Comes for the Archbishop; My Antonia). Cather’s novel of seventeenth-century Quebec is a luminous evocation of North American origins and of the men and women who struggled to adapt to a new world even as they clung to the artifacts and manners of one they left behind. Filled with the stories of old-world traditions mixed with faith and zeal for the New World, Cather’s novel will make your pilgrimage come alive all the more!

Order your copy from the UMary Bookstore by calling (701) 355-8282 and ask for a “pilgrim copy” of Shadows on the Rock to receive free shipping on your order.

The streets of Quebec City.

Saint Joseph's Statue in front of St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, Canada.

The Shrine and Tomb of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha in Kahnawake in Montreal.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame of Montreal. Mere footsteps from our hotel.

The pilgrimage concludes with a Eucharistic Procession through the streets of Manhattan, beginning with Mass at “America’s Parish”: St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Pictured above is the 2023 Procession. This year, our very own Monsignor Shea has been asked to preach the Mass and lead the Procession, which we will all be honored to join.

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