WELCOME TO THE MARTYRS' SHRINE WEBSITE

The Martyrs' Shrine is now open for the 2008 season. Our first day will be Saturday, May 17. Please note the mass schedule listed under the Mass Times page to the right. Be sure to check out our pilgrimage schedule listed under the Pilgrimages page to the right.

As Canada's only national shrine outside of the Province of Quebec the Martyrs' Shrine is pleased to welcome pilgrims traveling to and from the 2008 Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City. This Easter (March 23, 2008) the Shrine will host the Ark of the New Covenant on its "Shrine Pilgrimage" starting at the Martyrs' Shrine in Midland Ontario on its way to Quebec City for the Eucharistic Congress (June 15 -22, 2008).

About The Martyrs' Shrine

Just east of Midland, on Highway 12, twin spires rising above the treeline welcome visitors to historic Martyrs' Shrine. The Shrine honours the eight Jesuit saints who lived, worked and died here over 350 years ago. The grounds, including the famous Shrine Church and 75 pleasantly landscaped acres invite you into prayer and tranquility. Come and learn about the Jesuit missionaries, Jean de Brébeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, and their companions who were responsible for bringing Christianity to Canada over 350 years ago!

Facilities: The Shrine Church, The Martyrs' Hall, Lookout, Picnic Tables, Gardens, Walkways, Restrooms, Religious Article and Souvenir Shop and Cafeteria. The Shrine Cafeteria is now under new management. Be sure to check with them for your food and beverage needs while at the Shrine.

The Lalande Hostel is now open. This hostel is set up for groups of visitors who do not mind the very simple living arrangement that the hostel affords. The per diem for the hostel is $25 per person per night. To see what the hostel facility is like please click on the Photo Albums link above and find the album named Lalande Youth Hostel.

Before you visit the Shrine: Be sure to visit the Pilgrimage link above when you plan your visit. Most week days are quiet with the occasional school group at the Shrine. Many week ends are very busy with large pilgrimage groups which means very large crowds. Therefore, if you prefer a quiet experience of the Shrine be sure to plan your visit using the pilgrimage schedule above.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Our thanks go out to Gerber Hardwood Flooring of Barrie, Ontario for their generous gift of refinished wood flooring in the Shrine Church. Their work was professionally done and we happily recommend them to you for your future hardwood flooring needs (705-721-1082).
- We are also grateful to the Knights of Columbus of southern Ontario for their gift of refurbished stairs and landings for the Shrine Church. Please pray with us that the good works of these Catholic Gentlemen might continue to flourish for the Church in Ontario.
- You are invited to examine our link to the Young Adult Page above. There you will find the plans for the Ontario celebration of World Youth Day 2008 to be held at the Martyrs' Shrine concurrently with the celebration in Sydney Australia.

To visit the on-line Shrine Gift shop please click here. THE GIFT SHOP IS NOW FEATURING THE NEW SHRINE CALENDAR FOR $9 AND THE NEW SHRINE VIDEO FOR $15 (tax is included).

Please note: The Shrine church and facilities are wheelchair accessible. We have a number of wheelchairs on site for those who may need them. Also note that the grounds are hilly and pilgrims who are infirm or use wheelchairs will need assistance in order to get around.

Please Note: We do our best to keep the Shrine grounds visitor friendly. We would ask that you refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages on the site and please do not bring your pets when visiting the Shrine.

Gate Charges: Individual and group fees are needed to maintain the Shrine Church, grounds, facilities parking lots and driveways. Fees are as follows:

• $3.00 - Day Pass per person (10 and over).
• $35.00 - Season Pass (A family of four).
• $50.00 - Bus Day Pass (with passengers).
• $6.00 per student - The "Walk Where They Walked" half day educational program.