Our Baltimore Province co-chairs of Partners in Mission (PIM), Lucy McNamara and Francis Gargani, joined Anne Walsh, Director of the Permanent Office of PIM of North America and the Congregation, as well as other Partners in Mission from Canada, for the Novena to “Bonne Sainte Anne” at St-Anne-de-Beaupré, Quebec, July 20 – 27.

Our Basilica Church there is truly magnificent, adorned with extraordinary mosaics, beautifully decorated for the Novena. Each day Anne Walsh gave a wonderful Homily at the English Mass, based on the Novena Theme, “Sent to Every Encounter.” Fr. Francis was the cantor. Monique Martin, a PIM Canadian member, and Lucy, took turns leading folks in the praying of the Rosary beforehand and were the Lectors at Mass. Anne, Lucy and Francis would walk through the Basilica Church and the outdoor Basilica porch and plaza to greet and meet folks, Francis often blessing religious articles upon request and each of us praying over folks in need of healing.

Each evening, we participated in the main French Mass and the candle lighted procession that followed with the Blessed Sacrament, through the outdoor plaza, during which Anne Walsh joined Fr. Richard L’Archer in leading many prayers and invocations that accompanied the procession over the loudspeakers. 

Veneration of the relics of St. Anne closed the evening. The evening program lasted at least two-hours.

The numbers of peoples and the vast diversity from different parts of Canada and the United States and elsewhere was amazing, including many “First Nation” peoples, often non-Catholic, whose own matriarchal culture fosters their devotion to Bonne Sainte Anne. Several members celebrated their “First” Sacraments during the Novena.

The Vigil and Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, July 25 & 26, had well over 2500 people participating. Redemptorists and priests and laity from around the globe join the regular Shrine Staff over the course of the summer, including several Redemptorist students from different Units.

Especially during the Novena, the various priests celebrated the several Masses of the day, celebrated Reconciliation, and staffed the Office for blessing both the people and their purchased sacramentals.

We recommend summer volunteering for “Shrine Ministry” to both professed Redemptorists and PIM members at the beautiful St- Anne-de-Beaupré!