“AND LET THEM MAKE ME A SANCTUARY; That I May Dwell Among Them.”- EX. 25:8

“AND LET THEM MAKE ME A SANCTUARY; That I May Dwell Among Them.”- EX. 25:8

Since days long past, the pilgrims of the world have always journeyed to sacred places. They continue to seek a place that will remind them of heaven, a peaceful oasis where they can renew heart and spirit. In Christian tradition, there are numerous shrines consecrated to the presence of God and his saints.

In fact, since the early days of New France in the 17th century, religion and public demonstrations of faith have been an essential aspect of Québec society. The conversion of the Amerindians and the spread of the Catholic faith throughout America played an important role in the growth of this initially French and later British colony. Today, numerous places of worship stand as evidence of Québec’s centuries-old tradition and its religious and cultural heritage.

“…For Mine House Shall Be Called An House Of Prayer For All People.” (Isa. 56:7)

In Québec, twenty-one pilgrimage centres receive visitors from the province and from abroad. You will discover in each of these shrines a special accent, a way of praising and giving glory to God, often, through the devotion of a particular saint. St. Joseph’s oratory, whose gigantic dome rises high above the northern slope of Mont Royal, stands on one of the loveliest sites in Montréal. For 60 years, visitors from the world over have gathered at the tomb of its founder, Brother André. The Oratory is noted for its remarkable architecture and works of art, its way of the cross set in an outdoor garden, and its organ and carillon concerts. The worship of Saint Anne on Côte-de-Beaupré near Québec city dates back to the mid-17th century. The current Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica was inaugurated in 1926. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit this impressive Romanesque cathedral, with its five naves, magnificent mosaics and some 240 stained-glass windows. The Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary near Trois-Rivières is another important shrine. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it has been a popular pilgrimage site for more than 100 years; the original chapel built in 1714 is still standing.

“Go, Your Faith Has Saved You” (Mk. 10,52)

In this last week of July, 2013, while the youths of the catholic world were jamming the city of Rio de Janeiro to celebrate the WYD in Brazil, the Québec city was stuck fast by thousands faithful from other worlds  to visit the main sanctuaries of the town. Faithful from St. Andrew parish, Toronto, a parish ran by the Consolata missionaries, were also present, accompanied by Fr. Michael Mutinda, Imc, (recently appointed to the parish) at the great pilgrimage. The pilgrimage led many people to spiritual and physical healing, and many went back witnessing the words of Christ, “go, your faith has saved you.” (Mk. 10, 52)

By Fr. Michael Mutinda, Imc.