Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré -- Quebec City, Quebec

Destination: The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, a shrine to St. Anne, mother of Mary, caught our attention when Pope Francis celebrated Mass there during his July 24-29 visit to Canada. Established in 1658, the basilica is the oldest pilgrimage site in North America. 

According to tradition, the shrine’s site marks a miraculous intervention by St. Anne. A sailing crew from Brittany, France, was caught in a storm and prayed to St. Anne, promising her a sanctuary if she saved them. 

Masses and rosaries at the basilica are said in French.  

Photos: Top -- Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré during his July 24-29 visit to Canada. (CNS photo/Chaz Muth)

Middle -- The pillars at the entrance are covered with braces, crutches and canes of those who have been healed at the shrine. (Photo/ Gone with the Family)

Why to go: The basilica has much to see for lovers of sacred art, from stained glass to statues to mosaics of St. Anne’s life that cover the ceiling. 

Many also travel to the basilica for healing, which began when a construction worker was cured of his scoliosis after helping to lay the foundation. 

The basilica holds three relics of St. Anne, portions of bone of her finger and forearm. 

Admission: No cost, though the shrine does include a store. Donations are welcome. 

Accessibility: The website illustrates that the basilica is wheelchair accessible. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: A Mass in a different language may be difficult for kids to sit through, but they may enjoy seeing the beauty of the art inside and exploring the grounds instead.

Info: Address — Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, 10018 Ave Royale, Quebec G0A 3C0, Canada
Phone — 418-827-3781
Website — https://sanctuairesainteanne.org/en

— Megan Peterson compiled this story. 
Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org