Quebec City, by Eliza Myers
Miracles in the Foundation
At first glance, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré looks more like a castle than a church with its white stonework and gold statue of St. Anne. However, reports of miracles have surrounded this national shrine since a construction worker was said to have been healed of his rheumatism after placing three stones on the church’s foundation.
“That’s the reason this place has become so famous. People heard about that first miracle,” said Guy Fontaine, guide at the site. “People still donate crutches and baby shoes after miracles they attribute to St. Anne.”
Since St. Anne is said to have once had a child after being declared infertile, many of those who pray for a similar miracle send shoes to the basilica after giving birth. The site of so many tiny baby shoes and crutches impressed me, along with the magnificent architecture inside the Norman-Gothic basilica.
I left Quebec City by train, traveling past several well-kept small towns before arriving back in Montreal. I gleefully inhaled my last French dinner at Chateau Dufresne, a 1915 mansion filled with incredible decor and works of art. After dinner, I toured the French bourgeoisie-style home while learning about its Beaux Arts architecture and antique furnishings.
Next, I sat down in the dark Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal to wait for the Sound and Light Show to begin. I could hardly imagine what to expect while looking around at the screen-covered walls of the basilica.
A video chronicling the church’s history played before the screens slowly lowered to reveal the radiant altar and church interior lit with green, blue and red lights. I immediately felt goose bumps when the full glory of the basilica glowed for a spectacular effect.
The blend of the old Gothic Revival architecture with new special effects seemed to mimic Quebec’s melange of past and present cultures. If nothing else, the illuminated basilica proved to be a wonderful image to take back with me.
Quebec’s National Shrines
www.quebecshrines.com
