The Shrine of Sainte Anne de Beaupre is the oldest pilgrimage site in North America. Near Quebec City, Canada this basilica is known for inspiring healing miracles for its pilgrims. Millions of people have visited the shrine for 350 years, and this year I became one of them. Read on to discover more from my healing pilgrimage to Sainte Anne Shrine Quebec.
About Shrine of Sainte Anne de Beaupre
The Shrine of Sainte Anne de Beaupre lies just 30 km (19 mi) east of Quebec City on the St. Lawrence River. Originally, it was a shrine to honor Saint Anne, the patron saint for sailors and grandmother of Jesus. At the construction of the shrine, healing miracles were reported. In the late 19th century, a basilica was built at the Shrine. Fire destroyed the first basilica in 1922. Then, the current one was built in the Romanesque Revival style in the shape of a cross. For 350 years, millions of pilgrims visited this oldest pilgrimage site in North America. It continues to receive credit for healing miracles for its pilgrims.
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My Healing Pilgrimage to Sainte Anne Shrine Quebec
From Quebec City, I took AML River Shuttle from the Old Port, close to the Louise basin locks, to the shrine. This was the perfect way to start my pilgrimage to Sainte Anne shrine. The night before, from Sanctuairesainteanne.org I sent my prayer intention as an email to the shrine. Even more, this helped set my day in harmonious motion. The one-hour boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River is very scenic, alongside various other sailboats, fishing boats and windsurfers. We arrived at the Sainte Anne de Beaupre docks and walked about 10-15 minutes to the shrine.
Twelve Sites to Observe at the Sainte Anne Shrine Quebec
First thing to realize is that this shrine is much more than just a basilica. This is a complex with many sites to visit and honor. The best place to start is the Visitor Center next to the basilica. I set out to see in order the 12 sites laid out in the map. This gave me the perfect guideline from which to experience my healing pilgrimage.
Visitor Center
Next to the basilica the Visitor Center is the perfect way to start a tour. The volunteers help by answering questions and offering insightful information. The maps are especially helpful outlining the highlights for getting the most out of your experience at the Shrine.
Walking Gardens, Statues and Fountain in Front
It’s nice to start the tour outside and get the overall perspective of the shrine. In front of the basilica is nice walking grounds with gardens, statues and a fountain. Installed in 2008, the fountain celebrated the 350th anniversary of the Shrine. At the summit is a statue of Sainte Anne holding her daughter, Mary. The Virgin Mary holds a scroll, saying “Caritas”, in Latin meaning charity. Also, to celebrate the Canadian spirit, Sainte Anne wears a crown of maple leaves. The Quebec sculptor, Joseph-Emile Brunet designed the fountain.
The Basilica (Upper Floor)
On the upper floor is The Basilica in Romanesque Revival style and shape of a cross, looming 100 meters high. Important highlights include the Sainte Anne statue, copper doors, Ambulatory Chapels and shrine with Sainte Anne’s finger/forearm bones.
The main doors of the Basilica are hand-made of copper by the sculptor, Albert Giles. They display the many scenes of the life of Jesus. The 10 Ambulatory Chapels are each dedicated to a different Saint. A large mosaic is above all the chapels, illustrating the Eucharist history in the church.
When you first walk in The Basilica, 2 columns rise to the ceiling, stacked with crutches, walkers and pictures left behind by those who experienced a healing miracle at the Shrine.
The Statue of Sainte Anne
At the tympanum is the incredible Statue of Sainte Anne. This is where people gather at her feet to express prayer and devotion. Above the tympanum, the Angel of the pilgrim watches over with 12 Apostles surrounding the rose window. Many statues by the Quebec sculptor, Emile Brunet adorn the façade, such as, Mary, Joseph and John the Baptist.
The Immaculate Conception Chapel (Lower Floor)
On the lower floor of The Basilica, this chapel honors Mary, the daughter of Sainte Anne. There are 176 small mosaics depicting various nature themes and paintings. A popular sculpture here is The Pieta. Also, here is The Tomb of Father Alfred Pampalon (Patron of those suffering addictions).
The Pieta
In the Immaculate Conception Chapel is The Pieta. This is a replica of Michaelangelo’s famous marble sculpture of Jesus and Mary at Mount Golgotha. It represents the “Sixth Sorrow” of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
The Blessed Sacrament Chapel
On the lower floor of the basilica is The Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Decorated by the artist, Marius Dubois it expresses the Eucharist. Every morning from Monday to Saturday, the Eucharist mass is televised throughout Quebec.
The Tomb of Father Alfred Pampalon
In The Immaculate Conception Chapel is The Tomb of Father Alfred Pampalon. He is the Patron of those suffering from addiction. Beside his tomb is a prayer to recite for those suffering with addictions.
The Memorial Chapel
From the Basilica, crossing to the other side of Avenue Royale is The Memorial Chapel. Built in 1876, it showcases souvenirs from the first church. The material, décor and steeple all became recycled for the construction of this chapel.
The Way of the Cross
Behind the chapel on the hill under the maple trees is the Way of the Cross. This takes you on a journey of the Passion of Jesus showcasing 14 stations with bronzed statues. Each dramatic scene includes 5 persons enacting the Passion of Jesus.
The Scala Santa
Down the hill from The Way of the Cross is the replica of The Scala Santa. This is the staircase that Jesus ascended to Pilate’s praetorium. This original staircase still exists in Rome, facing the Basilica of Saint John of Lateran. There is a booklet at the bottom of the stairs sharing a prayer for each stair. Also, there are stones and relics from the Holy Land displayed in the staircase.
The Founder’s Road
In The Immaculate Conception Chapel is The Founder’s Road. This offers ways to learn about the founders of the church.
Overall, My Healing Pilgrimage
This healing pilgrimage became something completely unexpected. I sent my Prayer Intention to Sanctuairesainteanne.org the day before. My aim was to surrender to the intention and let the day guide me in a flow state. The AML River Shuttle was the perfect beginning, immediately unplugging me from my mind state of planning and work. As we cruised away from Quebec City, I began to leave behind any expectations and open myself to possibilities. Arriving at the Sainte Anne Shrine docks was so inspiring, as you see the 2 large steeples looming above the trees. I appreciated being able to reach the shrine by boat and afoot as a natural healing path there.
Overall, I was astounded at the Shrine, in that it is so much more than a church. It’s a complex with various sacred sites to honor and pay homage. It truly felt like a holy pilgrimage site. The biggest healing for me had little to overtly do with my original Intention Prayer. Surprisingly, I became most moved by the The Tomb of Father Alfred Pampalon. He is the Patron Saint for those suffering from addictions. When I read the prayer on site for those with addictions, tears welled in my eyes as I recounted all those who suffer with addictions. I thought of friends, family members and acquaintances that suffer with addictions, such as, alcohol and drugs. Immediately, I knew from that deep feeling in my heart and gut, that this was the true reason for my visit.
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