• Martyrs’ Shrine Raises $10,000 for Local Food Banks

    MIDLAND, ON (20 October 2023) – Martyrs’ Shrine reveals today the results of its inaugural Thanksgiving Food Drive event that took place during the period of September 15th through to its closing date on October 9th. A total of $10,000 was raised in support of local food banks. Martyrs’ Shrine had committed a portion of its Gate and Shrine Shoppes revenues throughout this period to support local area food banks for the holidays. Additional financial contributions came flooding in from Shrine visitors looking to support the initiative. Each weekend throughout this event the Shrine offered family-friendly activities, live entertainment, prizes and store discounts. And, thanks to local Highway 93 Tim Hortons franchise owners and philanthropists Janet and Kimberley Trude, complimentary snacks and beverages were also available to visitors. Prizes were co-sponsored by local area attractions – the Wye Marsh and Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Image: Koustov Panda, Fr. John O'Brien, S.J., Catherine MacDonald (Midland), Sharon Mortiboys (Victoria Harbour), Kathy Patullo (Penetanguishene), Kimberley Trude (Tim Hortons), Alexis Lamoureux. This event has been very successful. Martyrs’ Shrine had seen nearly a 30% increase in visitor traffic compared to the same period last year and visitors had been pleasantly surprised by the gesture of the event in actively supporting the local community. “It appears to be a cause near and dear to people’s hearts,” says organizer Tyler King, Manager of Marketing and Communications for the Shrine. “Visitors have all expressed their sincere appreciation for all those involved as well as have expressed best wishes for all of the families who will inevitably benefit from the initiative this year.” The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, which manages foodbanks in Midland, Penetanguishene and Victoria Harbour, has been selected as the beneficiary. They provide food and financial assistance on a non-discriminatory basis regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. All of their services are provided by volunteers and they receive no federal or provincial funding. “It is with immense gratitude that Midland, Penetanguishene and Victoria Harbour Saint Vincent de Paul Societies accept the Martyrs’ Shrine’s contribution of $10,000.  This initiative to raise funds reflects their awareness of the direct and essentials needs of our community. Especially, just as all three Societies are planning on how to provide Christmas assistance.   It is known that unforeseen circumstances can lead to food shortage and a desperate need to meet rent/mortgage, utility payments. Saint Vincent de Paul helps cover some of these emergency expenses by operating food banks in Midland, Penetanguishene, and Victoria Harbour. Emergency shelter funding has been provided, payment of overdue utility and medical expenses sometimes covered, depending on the Society’s financial situation at that time.   In 2022, generous donations assisted the Saint Vincent, Midland in covering the $51,000 cost of providing food vouchers and gift cards so families can purchase presents for their children. This was only possible with big-heartedness of donors such as the Martyrs’ Shrine and others in the surrounding area.   We are extremely grateful to Martyrs’ Shrine and each and everyone one of our donors.  We trust everyone will continue to give what they can and how they can so we may continue to do our work by serving the most vulnerable.” - The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Societies   “The Shrine wishes to thank everyone who has supported them and the local area this season. The dividends certainly are still paying out to support local families and our community. Without the ongoing commitment from each and every one of the Shrine’s visitors and benefactors, none of this would have been possible,” King says. “Martyrs’ Shrine wishes everyone a happy and healthy holiday and Merry Christmas season ahead and challenges everyone to reach out and assist someone in need this year.” Martyrs’ Shrine is now closed for the season and will reopen to the public on the first Saturday in May, 2024. For details, please visit www.martyrs-shrine.com.   – 1 – Martyrs’ Shrine, Canada’s early church, is a national holy and historic space honouring the lives of the Canadian Martyrs. The Shrine celebrates a nearly 400-year-old story of love and discovery that inspired and influenced the formation of Canada as we know it today. The Shrine is a ministry of the Jesuits of Canada. This ‘house of prayer, home of peace’ honours the Jesuit missionaries and their companions who lived, worked, and died here in the lands of the Wendat (Huron) back in the seventeenth century. Martyrs’ Shrine is located just outside of Midland, Ontario, in the Heart of Georgian Bay. Nearly 100,000 visitors from around the world visit the Shrine for prayer, healing and fellowship each year. Media Contact : Tyler King, Manager, Marketing and Communications tking@martyrs-shrine.com 705-526-3788 x237


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  • Father Michael Says Farewell

    MIDLAND, ON (15 February 2023) – Martyrs' Shrine announces the scheduled departure of its current director and Jesuit Superior, Father Michael Knox later this year. The 2023 season will mark Fr. Michael's eighth and final year as head of Martyrs' Shrine as he prepares for new and exciting changes as he continues along his Jesuit formation training in tertianship. Jesuit Tertianship is a time of renewal. As a Jesuit, Fr. Michael will revisit the foundational documents and history of the Society of Jesus. As he did as a novice, he will once again make the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Known as the 'Long Retreat,' the tertian will pray in silence for 30 days, letting the Lord work on him. This is typically a nine-month program that includes spiritual training and apostolic ministry.   "Dear Friends,   I write to you, in this, my last Director’s Message, with a spirit of heartfelt thanksgiving to God. This past late autumn, I was given my new mission, and I will be completing my time as director of Martyrs’ Shrine amidst this coming summer season.   My thanksgiving to God is for you, all of our pilgrims, Pilgrimage Leaders, numerous pastors, the local communities around Martyrs’ Shrine, the Jesuits who labour here, the members of our Board of Trustees, and our dedicated staff. For as I look back over the past seven years, I give thanks, for all that has been achieved by this remarkable body of people – with the help of our Lord and St. Jean de Brébeuf and his companions.   Over the past seven years, almost half a million people have journeyed to Martyrs’ Shrine to celebrate our faith, come to know St. Jean de Brébeuf and his companions, learn of some of the earliest moments of Canada’s history, and deepen their relationship with God. Many of these pilgrims led to us by dedicated lay pilgrimage leaders and pastors. Moreover, and quite remarkably, to support their journey, the Jesuits here have offered over 25,000 hours of pastoral care and 18,000 hours in the confessional. They have said, amongst them, 4,704 scheduled masses in the Church of St. Joseph, offered, collectively, just under 300 retreats of varying kinds, some 60 parish missions in 4 different dioceses, and 14 on-site university courses. All of this whilst also providing regular pastoral support in seven different parish settings, four schools, and various health centres. All of this supported by a modest number of very gifted permanent and seasonal staff. For these I give thanks to God.   It is also thanks to you, and all whom support our mission, that amidst these labours, we were also able to care for the infrastructure of this sacred place. Our Church of St. Joseph had its sanctuary, windows, kneelers, and outdoor statuary restored. Its fire suppression system replaced, our relics given a sacred space, and a new chapel built for pilgrims underneath it. Our stonework throughout the property was restored. Our main washroom, office, and giftshop renovated, and our septic system under the process of expansion. All of our industrial vehicles have been replaced. Our onsite cottage and loft both remodelled, to house two families whose dedicated presence provide consistent on-call care and security. A residence for the permanent Jesuit community was built, and The Magis guesthouse inaugurated as a place of rest and renewal for mostly priests and religious. We have a new website. New vehicle and pedestrian signage were placed throughout the site and new maps and guide brochures produced. A new greenhouse provides our flowers and plants for the grounds, new sprinkler systems channel our aquafer water, over 100 new trees have been planted, and most of our gardens have transitioned to perennial plants. For these I give thanks to God.   Moreover, it was between the years of 2019 and 2021 that all Jesuits and staff, in many ways, felt most keenly the magnanimous gift of God’s loving care and your support. Never, in the history of Martyrs’ Shrine, had it been closed for a season, and we were obliged to stay closed for two. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jesuits continued to minister with regular Mass on-line, manning a spiritual hotline, and receiving thousands of prayer requests, all the while a skeleton staff, and several volunteers, cared for the site and its administration. Closed to the public, the hearts of pilgrims opened up to us with letters of support, prayer, and generous gifts that kept us going. For these I give thanks to God.   Most importantly, I give thanks for the privilege of witnessing so many people share in Holy Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, seek blessing in their lives, experience moments of profound healing in body and soul, celebrate their culture, journey in prayer with our martyrs, and deepen in faith – all here in a space where, one pilgrim leader said to me, they feel ‘welcome, safe, and encouraged to praise Jesus Christ’.   As I prepare for my next mission, the Society of Jesus prepares to send a new director. As we come to know who this is, we will share the happy news with you. In the meantime, once again, I thank you all for the privilege it has been to share in your prayers and pilgrimage at Martyrs’ Shrine. May the Lord bless you all."   -Fr. Michael Knox, SJ Director, Martyrs' Shrine – 1 – Martyrs’ Shrine, Canada’s early church, is a national holy and historic space honouring the lives of the Canadian Martyrs. The Shrine celebrates a nearly 400-year-old story of love and discovery that inspired and influenced the formation of Canada as we know it today. The Shrine is a ministry of the Jesuits of Canada. This ‘house of prayer, home of peace’ honours the Jesuit missionaries and their companions who lived, worked, and died here in the lands of the Wendat (Huron) back in the seventeenth century. Martyrs’ Shrine is located just outside of Midland, Ontario, in the Heart of Georgian Bay. Typically, more than 100,000 visitors from around the world visit the Shrine for prayer, healing and fellowship each year. Media Contact : Tyler King, Manager, Marketing and Communications tking@martyrs-shrine.com 705-526-3788 x237   


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  • Lenten Missions 2023

    MIDLAND, ON (1 February 2023) – Martyrs' Shrine announces plans of their 2023 Lenten Missions offered to parish communities in the Archdioceses of Toronto, Hamilton and Peterborough. Let the lives of the Canadian Martyrs deepen your parish’s connection to Christ as we journey with them in celebration of the Easter Triduum and Holy Week. These Missions are designed to create retreat experiences for your congregation with the help of our Jesuit fathers and are customized to the community for which they are serving. Weekday and weekend options are available, subject to need and availability. These retreats include talks, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the celebration of the Eucharist. As well, our Jesuit fathers will be accompanied by the relics of the Canadian Martyrs for devotion and blessing. To register, please have parish leadership contact the Martyrs’ Shrine at info@martyrs-shrine.com or call 1-855-526-3788 – 1 – Martyrs’ Shrine, Canada’s early church, is a national holy and historic space honouring the lives of the Canadian Martyrs. The Shrine celebrates a nearly 400-year-old story of love and discovery that inspired and influenced the formation of Canada as we know it today. The Shrine is a ministry of the Jesuits of Canada. This ‘house of prayer, home of peace’ honours the Jesuit missionaries and their companions who lived, worked, and died here in the lands of the Wendat (Huron) back in the seventeenth century. Martyrs’ Shrine is located just outside of Midland, Ontario, in the Heart of Georgian Bay. Typically, more than 100,000 visitors from around the world visit the Shrine for prayer, healing and fellowship each year. Media Contact : Tyler King, Manager, Marketing and Communications tking@martyrs-shrine.com 705-526-3788 x237   


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  • Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ

    MIDLAND, ON (28 January 2023) – Martyrs' Shrine announces a new three-day retreat open to the general public over Palm Sunday Weekend (March 31-April 2, 2023). Let the lives of the Canadian Martyrs deepen your connection to Christ as we journey with them in celebration of the Easter Triduum and Holy Week. This silent retreat is led by one of our resident Jesuit Fathers, Robert Foliot and involves a two-night stay at The Magis guesthouse at Martyrs’ Shrine. The retreat includes prepared meals by our resident Chef de Cuisine, Jason Reynolds as well as talks and space for silence, prayer and reflection on the holy grounds in the presence of the Canadian Martyrs. This retreat is open to the general public. The suggested offering is $250. Space is limited to 12 people, so please register early. Please be advised that this retreat is now sold out.  For information on this retreat or others, please contact the Martyrs’ Shrine at info@martyrs-shrine.com or call 1-855-526-3788 Retreat Itinerary Arrival/Check-In: 4:00pm on March 31st, 2023 at our Visitor Office beside the Shrine Church Guests will receive a room key and shown their quarters for the duration of the retreat Introduction from Fr. Robert Foliot, SJ. Dinner at 6:00pm at the Jesuit Residence Tailored spiritual retreat throughout the weekend with talks from Fr. Foliot. Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners provided throughout your stay Departure/Check-out: 12:30pm after lunch on April 2, 2023.   – 1 – Martyrs’ Shrine, Canada’s early church, is a national holy and historic space honouring the lives of the Canadian Martyrs. The Shrine celebrates a nearly 400-year-old story of love and discovery that inspired and influenced the formation of Canada as we know it today. The Shrine is a ministry of the Jesuits of Canada. This ‘house of prayer, home of peace’ honours the Jesuit missionaries and their companions who lived, worked, and died here in the lands of the Wendat (Huron) back in the seventeenth century. Martyrs’ Shrine is located just outside of Midland, Ontario, in the Heart of Georgian Bay. Typically, more than 100,000 visitors from around the world visit the Shrine for prayer, healing and fellowship each year. Media Contact : Tyler King, Manager, Marketing and Communications tking@martyrs-shrine.com 705-526-3788 x237   


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  • National Shrine Bounces Back in 2022

    MIDLAND, ON (21 October 2022) – Today, Martyrs’ Shrine unveils its visitation numbers following a two year shut-down from the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 75,000 people visited the holy and historic site in 2022 and has been applauded as a success both for Martyrs’ Shrine as a ministry of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) as well as local area tourism. These numbers fared better than expected following such a closure and the financial and social challenges facing families today. Attendance this year fell almost 25% from 2019, exasperated by inflationary pressures, fuel costs, border travel restrictions, and continued issues with people’s willingness to gather in crowds. Several annual pilgrimage events were cancelled due to pandemic-related complications, but most went ahead as scheduled. These events can attract thousands of visitors per day and their economic impact ripples into our local community and supports many businesses hardest hit by the pandemic. “Overall, the attendance this year is an indication of people’s resilience in wake of what is happening in the world today and a sign of hope for things to come. We consider this to be a great healing year for the world having seen people of many faiths and backgrounds join together in prayer and sharing their experiences and their pains, much like the Martyrs’ themselves once did here on this site several centuries ago,” said Father Michael Knox, Director of the Martyrs’ Shrine. Anticipating a pent-up demand from the faithful and day-trippers alike, Martyrs’ Shrine was able to resume all services this year which included a rich and diverse schedule of events including hosting the 2022 Annual Jesuit Conference with dignitaries arriving from across the continent. Martyrs’ Shrine welcomed back an array of ethnocultural events including the popular Tamil, Vietnamese and Polish pilgrimages, as well as new events like the Ukrainian and Hispanic pilgrimages. These events serve a unique purpose providing spiritual enrichment as well as reinforcing a unique sense of community as many attendees are new immigrants to Canada or are coming in from other countries to visit family and friends. Hosting the world is something Martyrs’ Shrine is good at and it is with thanks to our community, benefactors, priests, volunteers and staff that this is possible. In partnership with regional school boards and Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Martyrs’ Shrine has resumed working with educators on engaging students and enhancing religious and historical education. As well this year, Martyrs’ Shrine began offering permanent complimentary admission to the Indigenous community (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) as a part of its active reconciliation efforts. Several hundred community members took advantage of the program between May and October. With momentum on their side, the team at Martyrs’ Shrine is now eagerly preparing for the 2023 season beginning Saturday, May 6th. Admission is free to all on opening day. For details, please visit www.martyrs-shrine.com. – 1 – Martyrs’ Shrine, Canada’s early church, is a national holy and historic space honouring the lives of the Canadian Martyrs. The Shrine celebrates a nearly 400-year-old story of love and discovery that inspired and influenced the formation of Canada as we know it today. The Shrine is a ministry of the Jesuits of Canada. This ‘house of prayer, home of peace’ honours the Jesuit missionaries and their companions who lived, worked, and died here in the lands of the Wendat (Huron) back in the seventeenth century. Martyrs’ Shrine is located just outside of Midland, Ontario, in the Heart of Georgian Bay. Typically, more than 100,000 visitors from around the world visit the Shrine for prayer, healing and fellowship each year. Media Contact : Tyler King, Manager, Marketing and Communications tking@martyrs-shrine.com 705-526-3788 x237   


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  • Praying With St. Ignatius

    Praying With St. Ignatius Workshop Praying With St. Ignatius Offered: August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 8:00pm. Please join Fr. John Kennedy, SJ for a one-hour workshop following the 7:30pm Holy Mass in the Filion Centre (basement of the Shrine Church). Fr. John will cover themes of prayer, contemplation, discernment, leadership and caring for others. This workshop is an interactive course on Introduction to Ignatian spirituality. Fr. John will build on from what you already know about prayer and help to guide your own personal relationship with God. Through this workshop you will cover the following topics: The world view of St Ignatius of Loyola Knowing the methods of prayer The working of the mind and thoughts in relation to prayer Understanding the distractions during prayer Hate or strong dislike related to prayer How prayer helps in making choices in daily life How to find God and live with spiritual freedom How to be effective in living a daily life with the presence of God How to enjoy the consolation of God and face sufferings in life Knowing the positive side-effects of prayer Space is limited. Please RSVP by contacting our office at info@martyrs-shrine.com or call 705-526-3788


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  • National Shrine Reopens Doors in 2022

    MIDLAND, ON (1 April 2022) – After nearly two years of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Martyrs’ Shrine will be reopening to the public on May 7, 2022. The…


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  • Shrine Season Impacted by COVID-19

    Tay, On (16 April 2020) – Due to the limitations on public gatherings currently legislated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Martyrs’ Shrine will not proceed with opening on…


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  • Commodore’s Dinner Donation

    We are pleased to announce the proceeds raised from the Second Annual Commodore’s Dinner. Parkbridge Marinas presented two generous donations of $7372.54 to the Martyrs’ Shrine and the Georgian…


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  • A Home With A Mission

      MIDLAND, ON (Summer 2018) – The following is a transcript from an article published by Dockside Publishing Inc. To view the original article, click here. A Home With a Mission Innovative residence adds year-round life to historic site Every home Selena McConnell designs has custom elements. But this was the first time she’d designed one with a chapel, or had the relics of martyrs placed in the floor. It was also the first time parts of her design had to be approved by the Vatican. “This was a fascinating, amazing project,” says Selena, a senior designer with Royal Homes. Royal Homes was commissioned to build Maison Ste. Marie House, a residence for the six priests at the Martyr’s Shrine, the national historic site in Midland that commemorates the lives and deaths of the 17th century Jesuit martyrs. The new residence replaces a seasonal home where the priests had only been able to live from May to October. Having a year-round home lets them offer pastoral services to the entire community, including four parishes, a high school, a psychiatric hospital and CFB Borden. “Every decision we made was a large decision, because it impacted many people,” says Rev. Michael Knox SJ, the Director of Martyr’s Shrine. The new residence was designed to complement the existing structures on the national historic site. Apostolic Planning Planning the home included a time of Apostolic Discernment, ten weeks of daily prayer and discussion by all six priests to outline the principles and needs that would guide the design. “It was very important that it look and feel like a home, even though it had to incorporate some institutional elements,” says Selena. The design also needed to embrace the 400-year-old heritage of the site, and serve as home to a Religious Community – the priests who live there, and the visiting Religious who can now use the former residence as a guest house. And all of it needed to be done in the middle of a historic site that sees 130,000 visitors annually. Every element of the final design involved balancing different priorities. Windows needed to capture abundant natural light and take in the superb views of the Wye Valley, but also be positioned so that pilgrims at the Stations of the Cross wouldn’t find themselves peering in on the priests eating breakfast sixty feet away. The home is a private part of the site, but it still has somewhat public areas. Selena and Fr. Michael identified the degree of privacy each area needed, and laid out the home accordingly. The home is built into a hillside, with the entry on the downhill side. “Rather than thinking of this as the basement, we decided to treat it as the main entryway,” says Fr. Michael. The most public parts of the home – a spiritual counselling room and the chapel – are located just off the front door, allowing clients to visit for a counselling appointment, or guests to attend a private worship service, without venturing any farther into the house. Rev. Michael Knox SJ, Director of Martyr’s Shrine, and Selena McConnell, Senior Designer with Royal Homes. Echoes of history Even before stepping inside, the design balances multiple priorities. The community wanted a home that would echo 17th century French cottages – buildings that would have been familiar to St. Jean de Brebeuf and the other priests who gave their lives here. Exterior elements include a tall, wooden front door, and an exterior clad in Tudor timbers and stucco. However, financial prudence demanded a home that would last for years without requiring costly maintenance. “Stucco can cause problems in this climate,” says Fr. Michael, “so we used cement board, using timbers to hide the seams.” The timbers themselves are composite rather than wood, so they will never need staining. And the tall wooden door? Fibreglass, which looks like wood but won’t ever warp. Inside, the fittings are spare and clean – a masculine look in keeping with a home built for men. The ceiling of the chapel is lined with cedar, mimicking the look of a traditional longhouse. “Cedar is a healing wood in the tradition of the Wyandot people,” explains Fr. Michael. Elsewhere, the wood trim is simple, dark-stained pine. Fittings, from door handles to cupboard hinges, are mainly black iron – again, reflecting materials and styles that would have been familiar to the first priests at this site. "It was very important that it look and feel like a home." Luxurious yet frugal The visual style continues throughout the house, even into the kitchen, which features simple shaker-style door fronts and black fittings, but is equipped to cook for more than 20 people. “Some people wanted an industrial kitchen with lots of stainless steel,” says Fr. Michael. But the wooden cabinetry – with a deep silgranite apron sink and anti-bacterial corian countertops – serves the same purpose with much greater style. “And all the cabinetry is Royal Homes standard grade,” says Selena. “None of it is upgraded.” The communal living space – areas for sitting, reading and conversing, as well as a refectory that can seat 20 people for dinner – are open and airy, the first Jesuit home in the country to have an open concept design. The bedrooms, on the other hand, are laid out in a way that emphasizes privacy. “We did not want a long corridor with rooms opposite each other, like a hotel,” says Selena. With a combination of prefab and on-site construction, the home was completed over the winter. In the spring, the priests moved in to Maison Ste-Marie House, and a new chapter in the long history of the Martyr’s Shrine began. AUTHORED BY ANDREW WAGNER-CHAZALON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW FEARMAN   – 1 – Martyrs’ Shrine, Canada’s early church, is a national holy and historic space honouring the lives of the Canadian Martyrs. The Shrine celebrates a nearly 400-year-old story of love and discovery that inspired and influenced the formation of Canada as we know it today. The Shrine is a ministry of the Jesuits of Canada. This ‘house of prayer, home of peace’ honours the Jesuit missionaries and their companions who lived, worked, and died here in the lands of the Wendat (Huron) back in the seventeenth century. Martyrs’ Shrine is located just outside of Midland, Ontario, in the Heart of Georgian Bay. Nearly 100,000 visitors from around the world visit the Shrine for prayer, healing and fellowship each year. Media Contact : Tyler King, Manager, Marketing and Communications tking@martyrs-shrine.com 705-526-3788 x237


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