Year of Faith Pilgrimage Sites in North Dakota

In October of 2012, Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated a "Year of Faith" as an opportunity for Catholics and indeed all Christians to dedicate themselves to deepening their understanding of the gift of faith.

The Year of Faith is an opportunity to experience a conversion – to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him.  The pope has described this conversion as opening the “door of faith.”  The “door of faith” is opened at one’s baptism, but during this year we are called to open it again, walk through it, and rediscover and renew our relationship with Christ.

As a part of this Year of Faith, dioceses throughout the world have designated places of pilgrimage and prayer to aide in this process of rediscovery.  In addition to the spiritual benefits of visiting these sites, a pilgrimage is also an excellent opportunity to discover the rich artistic and cultural heritage of a given area.  The Year of Faith comes to a close on 24 November 2013.

Below are a list and map of designated pilgrimage sites within the state of North Dakota:

Diocese of Bismarck
Alexander, Our Lady of Consolation Church
Almont, St. Mary Queen of Peace Church
Bismarck, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
Bismarck, St. Mary Church
Dickinson, Queen of Peace Church
Foxholm, St. Mary Church
Golva, St. Mary Church
Hague, St. Mary Church
Marmarth, St. Mary Church
Max, Immaculate Conception Church
Medora, St. Mary Church
Minot, Our Lady of Grace Church
New England, St. Mary Church
Richardton, St. Mary Church
South Heart, St. Mary Church
Stanley, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church

Diocese of Fargo
Belcourt, St. Ann Church
Devils Lake, St. Joseph Church
Fargo, St. Mary Cathedral
Grand Forks, St. Mary Church
Jamestown, St. James Basilica
LaMoure, Holy Rosary Church
Park River, St. Mary Church
Rugby, St. Therese the Little Flower Church
Wahpeton, Carmel of Mary Monastery 


View Year of Faith Pilgrimage Sites in North Dakota in a larger map

If one wishes to obtain a plenary indulgence at a pilgrimage site, the pilgrim must be in the state of grace and have the intention of gaining the indulgence either for oneself or for a soul in Purgatory.  The pilgrim then must take part in some sacred function at the place or else pause for a few moments of prayer, concluding with the recitation of the Our Father and a Profession of Faith (Apostles’ Creed) and a request for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin or the patron saint of the location.  One also must say a prayer for the intentions of the Pope and receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist within eight days before, during, or after the pilgrimage.  

In addition to the above mentioned pilgrimage sites, a pilgrim may visit the baptistery or other place where one was baptized and, while there, renew one's baptismal promises.