The history of the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Located about 30 km east of Quebec City , the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is one of the most important Catholic shrines in North America. Dedicated to Saint Anne , the grandmother of Jesus, it attracts thousands of pilgrims each year who come to pray and seek healing.

Origin and first chapels

The history of the basilica dates back to the 17th century , when the first French settlers settled in Beaupré. In 1658 , a first wooden chapel was built by grateful locals after one of their number was miraculously cured. This sanctuary quickly became a place of pilgrimage, attracting more and more worshippers.

Faced with this enthusiasm, a first stone church was built in 1676 , then replaced by a larger church in 1876 , which became a minor basilica in 1887 .

The fire and the construction of the current basilica

On March 29, 1922 , a fire almost completely destroyed the 1876 church. The faithful quickly decided to rebuild an even larger and more majestic building.

The architects Maxime Roisin and Louis-Napoléon Audet designed a new basilica in the neo-Romanesque style, inspired by the great European cathedrals. Its construction began in 1923 and it was consecrated in 1976 .

A place of pilgrimage and miracles

Since its beginnings, the basilica has been associated with numerous stories of miracles and healings . At the entrance, columns are covered with crutches left by pilgrims healed after praying to Saint Anne.

Every year on July 26 , thousands of pilgrims participate in the feast of Saint Anne , making the sanctuary a spiritual center of international renown.

An architectural masterpiece

The basilica is distinguished by:

Its two tall, majestic towers.

Its immense rosette in veritrail.

Its marble altar, surrounded by mosaics and sculptures dedicated to Saint Anne.

Its crypt, which preserves relics and works of religious art.

Conclusion

The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is more than just a religious building: it is a place of faith, history, and culture. A testament to the devotion of Canadians for over three centuries, it continues to attract pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

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