Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Father Joseph Steele, a priest from the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, will lead a jubilee pilgrimage through Canada and the eastern United States from September 25 to October 8. Ordained in 1997, Father Steele has served in various parishes and is currently the chaplain at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln.

"When I was asked to lead a pilgrimage to the shrines in Canada and the northeastern U.S. during the Catholic Church’s jubilee year, I was honored and very excited to be a part of it," he stated. He added that he is looking forward to revisiting many religious sites due to his previous studies at St. Philip’s Seminary in Toronto and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Maryland.

The tour will include visits to several significant locations such as Old Quebec City with Notre Dame du Kap, Canada's national shrine; Montreal's St. Xavier Mission; Stockbridge's National Shrine of the Divine Mercy; Fultonville's Shrine of Our Lady of the Martyrs; Fonda's National Shrine of St. Kateri; Niagara Falls, and more.

Father Steele described this pilgrimage as an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of faith by celebrating daily Mass and praying at sacred sites. "With 2025 designated as a jubilee year by the Catholic Church," he said, "it is an even greater opportunity to focus on our own personal faith."

The theme for this jubilee year is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Pope Francis emphasized that “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us." On this journey, Father Steele remarked that there would be hope for all people and churches worldwide.

For those interested in joining or learning more about this pilgrimage, further information can be found on executivetravel.com under Vacation/Escorted Tours or by contacting Barb Wallingford or Executive Travel directly.