Our Liturgy
Martyrs' Shrine is the country's Shrine dedicated to the Canadian Martyrs. Through word, Sacrament, prayer, and devotion, come and journey with St. Jean de Brébeuf and his companions towards a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Martyrs' Shrine offers several Masses and confession times daily along with blessings with the relics of the martyrs, feast day celebrations, processions, and the Stations of the Cross. The Jesuits of Martyrs' Shrine also lead the pastoral care for two mission Churches, St. Francis Xavier, Beausoliel Island and St. Florence, Thunder Beach, as well as pastoral support to local parishes, schools, and healthcare centres.
The Shrine was visited, in 1984, by Saint Pope John Paul II who reinstated an original indulgence first granted to the Jesuits and visitors of their mid-17th century mission of Ste. Marie I (reconstructed at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons) an additional grace for all those who visit us and the graves of St. Jean de Brébeuf and Gabriel Lalemant - a blessing equal to that of visiting Jerusalem.
“At shrines, the means of salvation are to be supplied more abundantly to the faithful by diligent proclamation of the Word of God, the suitable promotion of liturgical life especially through the celebration of the Eucharist and Penance, and the cultivation of popular forms of piety.” (Canon 1234 §1 CIC)
Did you know? Holy Mass can be gifted on behalf of someone or on behalf of a special intention. To request a Mass said for you, please visit our Request a Mass page.
Devotions
Adoration
Daily at 4:00pm in the St. Ignatius Chapel (basement of the Shrine Church)
Join one of our Jesuit fathers for an exposition of the holy eucharist and an adoration of the blessed sacrament in a guided and silent group prayer experience.
Blessings with Relics
Daily after every Mass and upon request at the Visitor Office
Join one of our Jesuit fathers after mass for a special blessing with the relics of the Holy Canadian Martyrs. Relics are small fragments of the body, or objects which have come in direct contact with the body, of Blesseds and Saints. Relics are preserved in sealed cases to protect the integrity of the Blessed/ Saint’s remains or fragments.
Confessionals
Daily between 9:00am and 4:00pm, except for noon hour
The Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance, commonly known as Confession, is available throughout the day at the back of the Church of St. Joseph (Shrine Church).
Outdoor Stations of the Cross
Daily at 2:00pm starting at the Holy Door
One of the oldest features of Martyrs' Shrine is our Outdoor Stations of the Cross. 14 bronze statues adorn Pilgrim Hill portraying the events in the Passion of Christ, from his condemnation by Pontius Pilate to his entombment. Prayerful meditation through the Stations of the Cross is especially common during Lent and on Fridays throughout the year.
Pray the Rosary
Friday to Sunday at 3:00pm starting at the Lourdes Grotto
Bring your rosary and join one of our Kateri's on a guided rosary experience. The rosary is a scripture-based prayer meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each Mystery of the Rosary.
Shrine Votary
Daily between 8:30am and 9:00pm
Behind the Lourdes Grotto sits the Shrine Votary, a candle room safely separated from the wooden interior of the Shrine Church. Candles are lit for prayer intentions. Several electric votive candle stands are also available within the Shrine Church.
Other Activties
Guided Tour and Film
Daily at 1:00pm in the St. Ignatius Chapel (basement of the Shrine Church)
Join us on a special journey to learn about the Martyrs' Shrine story and the history of the Canadian Martyrs. We start with a 20min film followed by a Q&A and tour of the Shrine Church.
Join a Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage is a very important journey for Christians. Pilgrimages are optional, but many Christians will aim to go on a religious journey at some point during their life. A pilgrimage is a search for meaning, purpose, values, or truth.
Praying with the Saints
Martyrs' Shrine is home to the relics (or human remains) of three of the martyred saints that we honour here including the skull of St. Jean de Brébeuf located inside the Church of St. Joseph. As well, many other saints are recognized across the grounds in the form of gardens and monuments. Together, these spaces provide a foundation of spiritual significance that can be used to enrich prayer and open channels for intercession.
Retreats from Home
We understand that it isn't always possible to visit Martyrs' Shrine, and we try our best to make virtual retreats available, guided by our Jesuit Fathers.
Confession
The Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance, commonly known as Confession, is available daily during regular operating hours, in the Church of St. Joseph (Shrine Church).
Novenas
A Novena (Latin for 'nine') is a special way that the faithful may pray a particular intention, for nine consecutive days, to God. Discover our annually-celebrated novenas at Martyrs' Shrine.
Visiting Clergy
Visiting priests are welcome to concelebrate with us in the Church of St. Joseph. Priests may also celebrate individually, or with a group, by advance reservation, and pending availability.
"Liturgy, in truth, is an event by means of which we let ourselves be introduced into the expansive faith and prayer of the Church. This is the reason why the early Christians prayed facing east, in the direction of the rising sun, the symbol of the returning Christ." - Pope Benedict XVI