Over 100 university and college students participate in a walking pilgrimage at Martyrs’ Shrine

Continuing an annual tradition, over 100 university and college students recently participated in a walking pilgrimage at the Martyrs’ Shrine.

On Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 the eight campus ministries of the Archdiocese of Toronto joined the community at the Shrine to celebrate the feast day of the Canadian Martyrs. When they arrived, the students explored the grounds of the Shrine and watched a video that brought to life the dedication and generosity of the early Jesuit missionaries who were eager to share the Gospel message.

After a prayerful Mass in the Shrine church, overflowing with worshippers, the group began their three hour pilgrimage walk to St. Ignace II, the site of the martyrdom of St. Jean de Brebeuf and St. Gabriel Lalemant. As they retraced the steps of the early martyrs, they carried relics of the saints and joined in prayer and song.

At St. Ignace, Fr. John O’Brien, the Director of the Martyrs’ Shrine, read an account of the martyrdom of St. Jean de Brebeuf, written by one of his contemporaries. Students spent some time in silence and prayer, venerating the cross that marks the site of the two saints’ martyrdom.

A quick bus ride back to the Shrine grounds was followed by a pizza dinner and social time. The students went home spiritually refreshed and inspired by the example of the Canadian Martyrs to be witnesses to the faith in their own lives.

Photos