Frequently Asked Questions

+ What are the hours of operation at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine?

Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine grounds are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm from mid-April through October 19th. Our Lady of Martyrs gift shop is open daily 10:00am - 3:00pm May 1 - October 19th, 2023. The museum is open 11 am to 3:30 pm during the Shrine season; additional hours will be made available for pre-scheduled pilgrimages.

+ What is the appropriate attire on the grounds?

All pilgrims are encouraged to wear modest attire while on the Shrine grounds.

+ Are pets permitted on the grounds?

Pets on leashes are permitted on the Shrine grounds. However, only service animals are permitted inside the buildings. Please be respectful of the holy grounds and other pilgrims and pick up after your furry friends.

+ Can I ride my bicycle on the grounds?

We ask that you park your bicycle at one of our entrances and enjoy the grounds by foot for the safety of all of our pilgrims.

+ Are there parking or admittance fees?

Donations are gratefully accepted as Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine is supported entirely by the generous support of our pilgrims and lay faithful; however, there are no parking or admittance fees.

+ Do we need to register?

Individuals and families do not need to register — only pilgrimages must be previously scheduled. However, please be aware of Museum and Visitor Center hours when planning your visit. Tours are not scheduled but you're welcome to visit the Museum for orientation.

+ Can we have our wedding or reception at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine?

Neither weddings nor receptions are celebrated at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine. Please contact your local parish for more information on the sacrament of marriage.

+ Can we have a baptism at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine?

Baptisms are not held at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine. Please contact your local parish for baptism information.

+ Can we have a personal professional photo shoot on the Shrine grounds?

At this time we do not allow professional photo or video shoots on these holy grounds.

+ Does Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine have overnight accommodations for visitors?

Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine does not have overnight accommodations for lay visitors at this time. Jogues Lodge is available to priests in good standing and can accommodate 2 priests per night. Priests may call Beth Lynch at 518-853-3939 to reserve.

+ Can I camp overnight on the grounds?

Camping overnight is allowed only for groups who provide an insurance policy naming Friends of Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine as additional insureds. Camping is not available to individual campers at this time. Please go to the "Lodging" list for nearby campgrounds.

+ Are there any picnic tables on the grounds?

Picnic tables are available under the picnic pavilion near the Visitor Center from May through October. Groups wishing to reserve the area are asked to please call us in advance of your pilgrimage at 518-366-5694.

+ Is transportation provided on the grounds for visitors who use mobility devices?

Golf cart transportation is provided courtesy of Alpin Haus. Please inform the Shrine before your arrival so that we can ensure we have a driver available for you.

+ Is the Jesuit Cemetery open to the public and how can I locate the burial plot of a particular priest?

The Jesuit Cemetery is open to the public. Burials are done in chronological order so it is helpful to have a general idea of the date of death.

+ Will there be any special events at the Shrine on the day my group visits?

To learn if there will be any special events at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine on the day your group visits, please visit our events page.

+ How often are tours of the Shrine offered?

Tours of the Shrine can be arranged by calling Beth Lynch at (518) 366-5694.

+ Is there a Knights of Columbus Council at the Shrine of which I can become a member?

The Shrine grounds are home to Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine Council. Click here to email Grand Knight Eric Mazzone.

+ Is Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine affiliated with or receive financial assistance from the Diocese of Albany?

Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine is located geographically in the Diocese of Albany but is not affiliated with the Diocese of Albany and is financially independent of the Diocese of Albany. The Shrine is owned and operated by the Friends of Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, and is supported entirely by the generosity of pilgrims and lay faithful. Please remember the Shrine in your wills, estates and trusts to help us keep these holy grounds open for generations to come!