The shrine reflects the earliest French-Canadian culture and religion. French colonists, mainly from Brittany and Normandy, brought to New France a special devotion to the Holy Family. In the seigniory of Cote-de –Beaupre, of which Bishop Francois Laval was also the Seignior, St. Anne was particularly loved. In the 1660s, Laval brought one of the first relics of St. Anne from the cathedral in Carcassonne, France, to this little village. He also presented it with its first statue. This antique figure, fashioned of wood, is still at the Shrine 350 years later. Laval had said, “There is nothing that helped us more than the devotion of these people to St. Anne.” Two popes, Leo XIII and John XXIII, also donated relics of St. Anne. 

The shrine had a humble beginning as I learned from my guide, Fr. Guy Pilote, CSsR, rector of the Shrine. In 1658 a humble wooden chapel was built for the habitants. During its construction the first healing took place. A second church was built in 1661, and a third in 1676. This last building was demolished two centuries later in 1878 and a memorial chapel built on its foundations.

In 1876, St. Anne was declared patroness of the province of Quebec. That same year a fourth church opened. Finally, in 1922, when the building was now a basilica, it burned down. In 1923 the present basilica was erected.

Pilote explained the symbolism imbedded in every single architectural aspect of this huge shrine as we toured both the lower floor and its several chapels and the upper basilica with its 75 stained glass windows, 326 columns and revered statue of St. Anne and her precious relics. I could have never imagined the beauty of this shrine! A guided tour is a must. Everything represents a special devotion or religious historical theme 

A museum traces the Shrine’s development from simple chapel to magnificent neo-Romanesque structure. For the 350th celebration, a fresco of 180 square metres was painted on the museum wall. In an architectural trompe l’oeil, five large coloured postcard-style paintings of past times depict the history of St. Anne de Beaupre’s town and sanctuary — the rural aspect, religious heritage, artistic influence, First Nations (St. Anne was a powerful reconciling force between the first settlers of New France and the First Nations, who had a great respect for grandmothers), river life and holidays, tourist attractions and great events.

This year, a new exhibit — a one-of-a-kind collection in Canada of small antique pictures and holy cards, some dating back to 1860 — opened. Imagine the childhood memories you’ll recall when you view it.

There are other areas of devotion on the grounds — a small commemorative chapel, the Way of the Cross, the Scala Santa, which represents the steps that Jesus ascended to meet Pontius Pilate. Many visitors ascend these stairs on their knees. Here also is the nine-metre-high fountain of St. Anne in the very heart of the basilica’s gardens. Completed in 1959 by sculptor Emile Brunet, the statue atop it measures about three metres.

It now has a place of honour in the midst of a huge bronze basin that is made in the form of a shell, which is the symbol of a pilgrim. The fountain is illuminated at night, from May to November.

Every year, the Shrine has a theme. This year it’s reconciliation. In his letter to pilgrims, Pilote reminds them they’re invited to live a radical transformation, “not only to reconcile with others, but with ourselves, the world and century in which we live, and with God Himself.” 

For more details of the 2009 schedule, see www.ssadb.qc.ca or call (418) 827-3781.