Church of St. Michael (Tomb of St. Peter Cantius)
1603–1613 St. Peter Cantius Feast, December 21
The burial place of St. Peter Cantius.
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Plan your own visit How long to stay, how to get there, what to see, and what to bring. Travel guideWhat happened here
The Story
The Church of St. Michael in Fribourg, Switzerland, built between 1603 and 1613 for the Jesuit College of St. Michael, is the church most closely associated with St. Peter Canisius, the Dutch Jesuit called the "Second Apostle of Germany." Canisius founded the college in 1580, spent his final years there, and after his death on December 21, 1597, was buried in its church, where his memory has been honored ever since. Peter Canisius (1521–1597), born in Nijmegen, was the first Dutchman to enter the Society of Jesus. In the turbulent decades after the Reformation he preached, taught, and founded colleges across German-speaking Europe, and his catechisms — clear, charitable summaries of Catholic doctrine — went through hundreds of editions and formed Catholics for centuries. He was renowned for defending the faith vigorously while insisting on respect and charity toward those who differed. Pope Pius XI canonized Canisius in 1925 and, on the same occasion, declared him a Doctor of the Church. For centuries his relics were venerated in the Church of St. Michael; in April 2021, marking the 500th anniversary of his birth, they were solemnly transferred to Fribourg's Cathedral of St. Nicholas, where the saint had often preached, so that devotion to him could flourish at the heart of the diocese. Pilgrims to Fribourg today can visit both the historic college church, with the rooms where the saint lived and died, and the cathedral that now houses his reliquary — a double witness to a teacher whose gentle firmness helped renew Catholic life in an age of division.
How to read this account
Church Recognition
St. Peter Canisius was canonized and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI in 1925; his relics, long kept in the Church of St. Michael, were translated with the Church's approval to Fribourg's Cathedral of St. Nicholas in April 2021.
Catholic Teaching
The memory of St. Peter Canisius highlights the Church's mission of catechesis — handing on the faith whole and entire (CCC 4–10, 84–95) — and the witness of the Doctors of the Church; veneration of his relics expresses the communion of saints (CCC 946–962, 1674).
Go Deeper
See the Vatican News saint-of-the-day profile of St. Peter Canisius and Pope Benedict XVI's 2011 general audience catechesis on him; read the Catechism of the Catholic Church on catechesis (CCC 4–10), and consult the Diocese of Lausanne, Geneva and Fribourg for information on the cathedral and the Canisius reliquary.
Useful before you go
Plan Your Visit
The Pilgrim’s Quick Card
- Ideal stay
- Half Day Allow 2-4 hours for the tomb, church, and prayer
- Best months
- May-Jun & Sep Mild weather and clear travel conditions
- Nearest airport
- Geneva (GVA) Zurich is also practical
- Language & currency
- German/French/Italian · Swiss franc (CHF) English availability varies; major shrines often assist
- Feast day
- December 21
- Accessibility
- Good Main shrine areas are generally manageable; verify locally
Plan the trip
How Long Should I Stay?
Half Day is a practical amount of time for Church of St. Michael (Tomb of St. Peter Cantius). Allow 2-4 hours for the tomb, church, and prayer.
- Minimum: Half Day for the principal shrine or church and personal prayer.
- Recommended: Half Day so you can include Mass, the main devotional focus, and time to explore without rushing.
- Extended stay: Add a second day for a slower pace and nearby sacred sites.
Pilgrim Tip: Leave at least one unscheduled block for quiet prayer; pilgrimage sites often become most meaningful after the checklist is finished.
Best Time to Visit
Best Overall
May-Jun & Sep
Mild weather and clear travel conditions.
Peak Periods
Major feast days, school holidays, summer weekends, and organized diocesan pilgrimages can bring larger crowds. Book lodging and transportation earlier if your dates overlap a major celebration.
For a Quieter Pilgrimage
Choose a weekday outside the busiest holiday period and arrive early in the day.
Feast Day
December 21 can be a particularly meaningful time to visit, but expect larger crowds and special schedules.
Pilgrim Tip: Always check the shrine calendar before booking; the most spiritually rich dates are often also the busiest.
Getting There From the United States
Best Gateway: Geneva (GVA)
For most pilgrims traveling from the United States, Geneva (GVA) is the most practical arrival point. Zurich is also practical.
From the airport, continue toward Fribourg by the most practical combination of rail, bus, rental car, taxi, or pre-arranged transfer. For remote shrines, a private transfer or rental car is often simpler than piecing together local connections.
Typical U.S. Routing
United States -> Geneva (GVA) -> Fribourg -> Church of St. Michael (Tomb of St. Peter Cantius)
Our recommendation: Compare total travel time, not airfare alone. A slightly more expensive flight that removes a long ground transfer can make a pilgrimage much easier.
On the ground
Getting Around
You generally do not need a car once you are near Church of St. Michael (Tomb of St. Peter Cantius). The sacred site and its immediate historic center can usually be explored on foot, with local buses or taxis available for longer transfers.
A rental car is most useful if this stop is part of a wider regional pilgrimage.
Good to Know: Historic districts may restrict traffic or have limited parking, so check your lodging's arrival instructions in advance.
Where to Stay
Choose lodging in the most walkable part of Fribourg, ideally within a short walk or simple transit ride of Church of St. Michael (Tomb of St. Peter Cantius). That makes it easier to attend Mass and return for prayer without losing time in traffic.
Best For Pilgrims
- Historic-center lodging near the church or shrine
- Religious guesthouses when available
- Hotels near a major transit stop
- Accessible lodging if your group has mobility needs
Pilgrim Tip: Check the actual walking route, not just the map distance; old cities can include steep streets, stairs, or cobblestones.
Accessibility
The main worship and visitor areas at Church of St. Michael (Tomb of St. Peter Cantius) are generally manageable for most pilgrims, though historic thresholds, paving, or side chapels may still create barriers. Accessibility services and entrances can change, so verify current arrangements before traveling.
Pilgrim Tip: If mobility is a concern, choose lodging and transportation that minimize unnecessary walking.
What to do
Most Important Things to Do
Venerate the Saint or Relics
Pilgrims visit the Church of St. Michael and the adjoining historic college founded by the saint, including the rooms associated with his last years, and venerate his relics in the nearby Cathedral of St. Nicholas, to which they were transferred in 2021. His feast on December 21 is kept with particular devotion in Fribourg.
Allow: 30-60 minutes for prayer before moving through the rest of the site.
Attend Mass
If Mass is offered during your visit, make it the center of the pilgrimage rather than an add-on. Check the official shrine or parish schedule shortly before traveling.
Understand the Devotion
Read a short life of the saint before arriving, then pray for the grace to imitate the virtue most associated with that saint.
Explore the Church and Grounds
Look for the principal chapel, altar, crypt, museum, gardens, historic rooms, or pilgrimage route connected with the site. Allow another 45-90 minutes where available.
Pilgrim Tip: Arrive early or stay later than large tour groups when possible; the atmosphere is often much quieter.
Suggested Pilgrimage Itinerary
Half-Day Pilgrimage
- Begin at Church of St. Michael (Tomb of St. Peter Cantius) and spend time in quiet prayer.
- Attend Mass if the schedule aligns with your visit.
- Visit the principal shrine, tomb, relic, apparition site, or historic chapel.
- Go to Confession when available.
- Finish with another short period of prayer before leaving.
Have more time? Add other churches and sacred sites in Fribourg.
Mass, Confession & Prayer
When the church is active, Mass is the best way to place the saint's witness within the life of the Church. Confession, Adoration, and devotions vary by community.
Use the current schedule provided by the shrine, parish, diocese, or religious community shortly before visiting.
Pilgrim Tip: Avoid building your itinerary around an old fixed Mass time. Liturgical schedules can change seasonally and on feast days.
Practical
What to Bring
Pilgrimage Essentials
- Rosary
- Small Bible or prayer book
- Written prayer intentions
- Journal and pen
- Reusable water bottle
Practical Items
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small backpack
- Portable phone charger
- Modest clothing for churches
- Payment card plus a small amount of Swiss franc (CHF)
Pilgrim Tip: Pack lightly enough that you can spend the day walking and praying without managing unnecessary gear.
Before You Go
Before leaving:
- ✓ Check current opening hours
- ✓ Check Mass and Confession information
- ✓ Write down your prayer intentions
- ✓ Confirm airport and ground transportation
- ✓ Check the weather
- ✓ Pack comfortable walking shoes
- ✓ Confirm accessibility needs in advance
- ✓ Carry appropriate church clothing
- ✓ Leave room for quiet prayer
Most Important: Do not experience Church of St. Michael (Tomb of St. Peter Cantius) only as a historic attraction. Make time for prayer, the sacraments when available, and the devotion or biblical event that gives the place its meaning.
Additional Information
Pilgrims visit the Church of St. Michael and the adjoining historic college founded by the saint, including the rooms associated with his last years, and venerate his relics in the nearby Cathedral of St. Nicholas, to which they were transferred in 2021. His feast on December 21 is kept with particular devotion in Fribourg.
Official Information
Check the shrine, parish, diocese, or custodian's official website for current opening hours, liturgies, closures, and pilgrimage notices.
Currency
Switzerland uses Swiss franc (CHF). Carry a payment card plus a small amount of local cash for offerings, small cafés, or local transport.
Local Language
German/French/Italian is the principal language for this destination. English availability varies, but major international shrines often have multilingual staff or printed material.
Religious Etiquette
Dress respectfully, silence phones during prayer and Mass, avoid photographing worshippers at close range, and follow any local rules around relics, tombs, confessionals, or restricted chapels.
Pilgrim travel note: Mass times, opening hours, costs, accessibility, and local conditions can change. Please confirm important details directly with the shrine and your providers before you travel. Travel Disclaimer
Travel with a group
Prefer to travel with a group?
No guided pilgrimages that include Church of St. Michael (Tomb of St. Peter Cantius) are listed yet. Many parishes and dioceses organize their own trips, so ask at yours.
Information & sources
Mass times, admission and travel requirements change. Confirm them with the official source before you visit.
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