Answering the call to spiritual transformation for this Jubilee year, we continue our series on pilgrimage sites across the United States. Our Church leaders have always included an invitation to pilgrimage, with the promise of an indulgence for those who do, in congruence with the year’s celebrations. In this post, we place our focus on the Northeast corner of the country, an area rich in Catholic history.
Pilgrimage Sites in the Northeast Corner of the U.S.
Each of the nine states in the Northeast region offers a variety of pilgrimage sites that provide spiritual enrichment, deep-rooted traditions, and unique cultural experiences. From historic churches and shrines to sacred grounds honoring Saints and martyrs, each location offers a unique way to encounter the ever-constant living God.
Far too numerous to include them all, the few sites below invite visitors to walk in the footsteps of faith and reflection. Whether you are seeking moments of prayer, learning, or simply a day away to focus on God, these pilgrimage sites in the Northeast offer unique experiences for everyone.
Connecticut
The Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield // A replica of the original site of the appearance of the Immaculate Conception in France, this stateside shrine offers daily Mass, Stations of the Cross, and regularly scheduled dates to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
Maine
Saint Ann Church // Located on Indian Island, the original structure was built at the request of the Penobscot Nation in 1688. Burned by the British in 1723, the current church was built one hundred years later. It includes a must-see painting of Jesus' Crucifixion, which was crafted by a Native American artist using all-natural materials.
Saint Patrick’s Church // The oldest operating Catholic church in New England, this church was founded by Irish immigrants and boasts the original church bell, which was cast by Paul Revere. In 2009, it merged with other local Catholic churches to form All Saints parish, but the structure still stands next to a newer, larger church and is open for prayer and daily Masses.
Massachusetts
National Shrine of Divine Mercy // A stateside shrine dedicated to the message God entrusted to Saint Faustina; Mass, Confession, Adoration, and a public praying of the Rosary are offered daily. Special events such as healing Masses are held monthly. A popular conference is held each year on the feast of Divine Mercy. Lesser known in this location is the Shrine of the Holy Innocents, which honors the souls of deceased children and provides a place of prayer for their families.
New Hampshire
Saint Joseph Cathedral // As the mother church of the Diocese of Manchester, it holds great historical and spiritual significance, offering visitors a chance to experience stunning architecture, sacred art, and opportunities for prayer.
New Jersey
Saint Vincent de Paul Church // The church is the only one in the United States to feature stained-glass windows created by the renowned Irish artist, Harry Clarke. Each window in the nave illustrates a distinct aspect of the Mass or a specific Mass for a particular intention, such as the Mass of the Sacred Heart, Mass of Ordination, Mass of First Communion, Mass of the Holy Spirit, and the Nuptial Mass. These tall, narrow windows, designed to complement the church's Lombard-Romanesque architecture, pair each Mass scene with an Old Testament image that symbolizes or foreshadows Christ, while also depicting notable historical figures.
New York
Saint Malachy’s Chapel // Established first as a traditional parish in New York, New York, Saint Malachy’s transformed as the pastors quickly responded to the needs of the congregation—many of whom were theatre actors—to offer Mass and Confessions at untraditional times. For their pastoral care, they earned the nickname “the Actors’ Chapel.” It became a tradition for these actors to light candles here on opening night. Many household names attended regular Masses there. Today, it is a vibrant parish, serving both the acting community and the elderly. The choir comprises volunteer singers with various backgrounds and musical experience.
Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine // The National Shrine of the North American Martyrs and the Birthplace of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha has expansive grounds which include a chapel, drive-through Stations of the Cross, and a museum which beautifully connects the sacrifice of martyrs Saint Isaac Jogues, Saint René Goupil, and Saint John Lalande with the conversion of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.
Pennsylvania
Saint Anthony’s Chapel // Boasting over 5,000 relics of Saints, this chapel possesses the largest collection of these holy items outside the Vatican. Located in Pittsburgh, the site offers opportunities for veneration of relics, Adoration, Confession, and Mass. Docent-led tours are scheduled regularly and are open to the public.
Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel // Visit and pray at the tomb of one of the few American-born Saints, whose sacred remains are now housed in the very Cathedral Basilica which helped nurture Saint Katharine’s vocation. Informal visits are always an option, but official pilgrimages can also be arranged, which include hospitality, a private tour, and an interactive and reflective presentation, as well as time for prayer.
Rhode Island
Church of the Holy Name of Mary, Our Lady of the Isle // The oldest Catholic Church in the state loved by the locals for its edifice, this parish is worth a stop based solely on its physical beauty. To make a visit even more enticing, it is also the site of the historic marriage of Jacqueline Lee Bouvier and John Fitzgerald Kennedy in 1953. The church is only open for prayer and visitation Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Vermont
Saint Mary Star of the Sea // Devotees of our Lady will especially love the seven stained-glass windows depicting different moments from her life and apparitions around the world. The rose window pays homage to Our Lady, Star of the Sea, and the church is quite picturesque as it was built near Lake Memphremagog.
Weston Priory // A Benedictine monastery nestled in a scenic mountain setting, Weston Priory is home to monks who view it as an “embassy of the Reign of God” and welcome visitors with this mindset. Those who wish to take a day trip join in communal prayer, walk the outdoor labyrinth, and shop their gallery of handmade goods. Opportunities for formal and informal retreats are also available.
Experience the Journey of Hope
No matter which site you visit—whether it's the shrine of martyrs, a church with stunning architecture, or a parish whose pastors are quick to cater to the needs of their congregation—it’s hard to leave without being reminded of God's faithfulness. In the stories of martyrs, artists, and actors alike, we are filled with the hope that God will provide for us all, no matter our situation in life.
Grace is a regular contributor to the BIS Blog. She had planned to be a nurse until an encounter with Christ in Confession ignited a spark that resulted in an ongoing career as a high school Theology teacher. Though a cradle Catholic, she continues to be amazed at the depth of peace and joy that can be found within the Faith and can’t help but share that passion with others as a teacher, writer, and speaker. Outside of ministry, she dabbles in a bit of everything, excels in almost nothing, and like most moms, cannot survive without at least one cup of coffee a day. Grace resides in Charleston, SC with her hunky husband and their daughter who looks just like him. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Grace's posts here.
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