Canonization of Local Native American Spurs Pilgrimages
Published:
CONTACT:
Schuyler Bull, Marketing Manager
Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Phone: 518-434-1217 x 203
Email: sbull@albany.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2012
Canonization of Local Native American Spurs Pilgrimages
ALBANY, NY – On October 21, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI will canonize the first Native American, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, as Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.
Tekakwitha is known as the “Lily of the Mohawks,” having cared for the sick and elderly in her native region near present-day Auriesville, NY, about forty minutes west of Albany along Interstate 90.
This location is now home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs and comprises more than 400 acres of land, featuring five chapels, two museums, a candle shrine, Jesuit cemetery, and outdoor Stations of the Cross.
A number of activities are being planned throughout the year for the canonization of Tekakwitha, spurring group tours from churches, youth groups, and other organizations. On July 21st, just a week after her feast day, the Shrine will welcome nearly 1,000 Native Americans on pilgrimage from the 73rd Annual Tekakwitha Conference, a national conference being held in Albany, NY, from July 18-22. Native dancing, feasts, talks, liturgy, and the Holy Mass will be part of the celebratory pilgrimage.
“There are a number of resources available to those planning a pilgrimage or group tour to the Shrine this year,” states Jeanne Toth, Group Tour/Convention Sales Manager of the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Albany is able to accommodate groups of all sizes and create the most enjoyable tour possible with a variety of amenities, family friendly attractions, and complimentary tour planning assistance.”
Toth has created an itinerary specifically for groups wishing to tour the Shrine of Our Lady of Martys. A complimentary hotel accommodation locator service is also available to tour planners. For more information on planning a group tour, please contact Jeanne Toth at 800-258-3582 x106, or at jtoth@albany.org.
About the ACCVB: The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. was established in 1976 to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community through increased development of conventions and tourism. ACCVB currently represents more than 300 member businesses and assists each year in hundreds of regional meetings. ACCVB also operates the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Henry Hudson Planetarium, and the Albany International Airport Information Center. For more information, call 518-434-1217 or 800-258-3582 or visit www.albany.org.
###
