LEGION OF MARY PILGRIMAGE
REPORT TO SENATUS
The Legion of Mary pilgrimage to Cap de la Madeleine was very successful! One hundred and thirty two pilgrims travelled in three coaches, coaches filled with prayer and songs of praise. I wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the bus supervisors, Pat McLeod, Wayne Smith and Marilyn Halls Montminy. Without their diligence to organizing the buses the pilgrimage would not have unfolded as efficiently as it did.
At 0930 on Saturday 4 August three buses departed the Ottawa Diocesan Centre on Kilborn Place. Due to this being a different location, I had concerns that some ‘well seasoned’ pilgrims would report to the previous location. In order to calm anxieties over this possibility, Anne Stewart and Sister Cora McKenna watched over Nepean St. in order to direct any ‘misplaced sheep.’ My worries were needless as all pilgrims arrived promptly at the new location.
We stopped for lunch at the beautiful Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Montreal. This prayerful location was exceptionally beautiful and brought immense joy and peace to the pilgrims.
We arrived at Cap de la Madeleine around three and were welcomed by Father Dunston. The itinerary for the weekend was very full; many pilgrims immediately participated in Mary’s Way of the Cross. Masses were said each day and there was ample opportunity to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Eucharistic adoration was offered and we received individual blessings from Father Oullette and Father Dunston. Each evening we experienced the beautiful and sacred candle light procession.
Two buses carrying about 100 pilgrims travelled to St. Anne de Beaupre on Sunday. Outdoor Stations of the Cross were said by many, small hillside shrines were visited and Eucharistic adoration was held in the Basilica. The spirituality of St. Anne’s was particularly prominent this year. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is preparing us for the upcoming Eucharistic Conference in June 2008.
Monday brought thunderstorms; but this disturbance was no competition for pilgrims who spontaneously recited the rosary while Sister Marilyn and Brother Jean Pierre organized transportation to mass in the old chapel. Our Blessed Lady's presence was palpable as she protected us from harm’s way. The resonance of pilgrims reciting the rosary was one the most memorable sounds I recall, just like a chorus of angels. It is worth mentioning that the last pilgrims arrived at mass just as the consecration was beginning. A group photograph was taken inside the old chapel on the steps of the altar with Our Lady of the Cape smiling down on the pilgrims of the Legion of Mary. A copy of that photograph is included with this report.
The financial report for the pilgrimage will follow; I am very pleased to say that with all expenses paid, remaining in the account is the original $2000 as well as a small excess that will be given to Senatus when the final statement for the 2007 pilgrimage is submitted.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Snell, Pilgrimage Coordinator
OUR LADY OF THE CAPE, IN CAP DE LA MADELEINE QUEBEC IS CANADA'S NATIONAL SHRINE TO OUR BLESSED MOTHER. FOR A SHORT SUMMARY ON THE MIRACULOUS EVENTS SURROUNDING CANADA'S ONLY CROWNED MADONNA PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW. IT IS A TRULY WONDERFUL STORY OF THE POWER OF THE ROSARY AND OF ONE PRIEST'S CHILD LIKE TRUST IN OUR BLESSED MOTHER AND SAINT JOSEPH, PATRON SAINT OF CANADA.
Information about the Shrine
OUR LADY OF THE CAPE, IN TROIS RIVIERES ( CAP DE LA MADELEINE ) QUEBEC IS CANADA'S NATIONAL SHRINE TO OUR BLESSED MOTHER. FOR A SHORT SUMMARY ON THE MIRACULOUS EVENTS SURROUNDING CANADA'S ONLY CROWNED MADONNA PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW.
http://www.catholictradition.org/Children/ducap.htm IT IS A TRULY WONDERFUL STORY OF THE POWER OF THE ROSARY AND OF ONE PRIEST'S CHILD LIKE TRUST IN OUR BLESSED MOTHER AND SAINT JOSEPH, PATRON SAINT OF CANADA
Our Lady of the Cape Queen of the Holy Rosary, Queen of Canada by Thérèse Tardif
from CCCB Blessed Frédéric Janssoone (1838-1916)
from the Western Catholic Reporter Blessed Frédéric Janssoone
To watch the video on the history of the Shrine at Notre Dame du Cap click here