Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

Speak Up

The arrival of summer brings thoughts of taking a meditative pilgrimage.

The local shrine to St. Francis of Assisi annually welcomes pilgrims from many parts of Canada and beyond.

This country church, built in 1865 by local Irish settlers from the area, was known as St. Joseph until 1923 when it was rededicated to the St. Francis of Assisi Shrine.

Preparations are underway to welcome the many travellers by the parish of St. Thomas, Canterbury, who maintain the church.

A pilgrimage walk is planned starting at St. Clement’s at McAdam at 7 a.m. on Aug. 9, with Mass at 8 a.m., followed by breakfast.

The old railroad bed to Canterbury serves as the pilgrim trail, just as it did in the 1930s and 1940s.

Everyone is welcome to join in this spiritual diocesen event.

In its early years people who could afford to take the train rode to Canterbury, but others walked the 31.4 kilometres. Some stayed overnight in local hay barns near the shrine site while others were put-up with friends or family; all arriving on Sunday morning for the opening ceremonies.

A family tradition which continues, but today, after their long trek, some pilgrims camp overnight on the site in relative comfort and security.

Parking spots are available and the facilities required for a large number of visitors are available for this special day only.

On Aug. 10 the outdoor service begins at 11 a.m. with Mass. Knights of Columbus from various chapters attend to provide the guard of honour for the procession.

Bishop Robert Harris of the diocese of St. John will celebrate the mass with concelebrant Rev. Brian Wetmore, who is the present pastor of the original St.

Agnes Parish; the mother church with St. Thomas and the shrine being the surviving missions. Father Wetmore is also parish priest of Sts. Simon and Jude Church at Nackawic. He can be reached at 575-2177 or send a fax to 575-0009 to obtain more information.

Fr. Andre Comptois OFM of Montreal, who is the spiritual assistant for the Secular Franciscans in Canada, is the guest priest for this auspicious 85th anniversary of the shrine. He will share a history of the Franciscan life and take an active role in the afternoon liturgy. Also, he will assist with the blessing of the sick, which begins at 2:15 p.m. Prayers of the Rosary are recited in the three founding languages of this province: Maliseet, French and English.

For the day, the relics of Sts. Francis and Clare will be displayed in the chapel together with the Blessed Monstrance. To reach the shrine, take turn-off 212 at Meductic from the Trans Canada Highway. Turn south onto Route 122 and follow it to Canterbury. Follow direction signs set-up from Canterbury to the shrine site at Upper Skiff Lake Road.

The cost of $40 for the pilgrimage includes lunch and supper on Saturday, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, snacks and water along the trail and transportation along the trail and to your vehicle.

For more information or to register contact Tera at (506) 472-0694 or send an e-mail to teraval@gmail.com. Come early and bring a lawn chair.