Québec’s National Shrines was founded in 2009 to promote awareness and tourism of the five Catholic shrines located in the Canadian province. Visited by more than four million pilgrims and tourists each year, the following sites offer a glimpse into the history of the Christian faith in Canada and North America.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal
This shrine, founded in 1904, is the largest in the world dedicated to Saint Joseph. Visitors are treated to beautiful music, exhibits of more than 200 nativity scenes from 100 different countries, and unmatched views of Montréal from the shrine’s mountainside location.
Our Lady of the Cape
This shrine is located in the Mauricie region on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River and is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Welcoming more than a half million pilgrims every year, the site includes a chapel built in 1714 and a modern basilica, completed in 1964, with beautiful stained glass windows.
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Notre-Dame de Québec is located in Old Québec City and was founded in 1647. The first cathedral and Catholic place of worship founded north of Mexico, it was instrumental in the development of Québec, Canada and North America over the years and stands as evidence of the perseverance and faith of the early pioneers and pilgrims who settled in Canada.
Shrine of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré
Founded in 1658, this shrine, the second-oldest pilgrimage site in North America, is dedicated to Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. With more than 350 years of history, this cathedral welcomes almost 1 million visitors annually from all over the world, regardless of race or religion. It is located 20 minutes outside of Québec City.
Ermitage Sainte-Antoine de Lac-Bouchette
This shrine was founded in 1907 and is located 250 miles north of Québec City in the midst of a breathtaking landscape of evergreens and rolling hills. Visitors can take a guided tour, visit the museum, hike parts of the 130-mile Kapatakan Trail or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature surrounding this shrine.
For more information about the Shrines of Québec, email Francois Jean Viel or visit sanctuairesquebec.com.
Top photo: St. Joseph’s Oratory
Photo by: CC Flickr/Dovoud D.: bit.ly/vK2nh4
