New for the summer season at the Sanctuaires du fleuve

Two new temporary exhibitions and the opening to the public of a third sanctuary are among the new additions to the 2021 summer season for the Sanctuaires du fleuve, Quebec’s only structured religious heritage circuit. Thus, the Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue cocathedral in Longueuil, the Sainte-Famille church in Boucherville and the Marguerite-d’Youville sanctuary in Varennes are open until September. Only the Centre Marie-Rose and the Sanctuaire Sainte-Kateri-Tekakwitha have postponed their opening to take account of certain health requirements in this era of progressive decontamination.

The Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville Shrine is hosting a temporary exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of its opening on June 25, 1961. Visitors can also take advantage of their visit to learn more about the life of this pioneer of social services in Canada. Marguerite d’Youville welcomed the underprivileged, the itinerant, the destitute, the sick, single mothers and orphans, regardless of race or nationality. Round off your stay with a visit to the magnificent Basilica of Sainte-Anne de Varennes, located nearby.

Sainte-Famille church at Boucherville is renowned for its many heritage attractions. Facing the Boucherville islands, it is located in the historic heart of one of Quebec’s oldest cities. Built of stone, Sainte-Famille Church boasts interesting architecture. Its interior layout is just as fascinating, with its diversity of features: high altar, sanctuary lamp, vault, baptistery… A guided tour also reveals the particularities of its sacred art exhibition, which brings together a whole collection of the parish’s religious objects. This is a reopening for the site, which was closed for the whole of 2020.

For the 2021 summer season, the co-cathedral of Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue opens its doors, still offering access to its museum and the chapel of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher. The museum features a new temporary exhibition entitled “Déchets d’hier, trésors d’aujourd’hui” (Yesterday’s waste, today’s treasures). It showcases the archaeological collection of the Société d’histoire de Longueuil. From mysterious flasks containing eau de parfum or miraculous syrups, to elegant inkwells, fine crockery and pottery, the information gathered gives a glimpse into the lifestyle of late 19th-century Longueuilers. It complements the permanent exhibition, which traces the history of Longueuil since its foundation.

The River Sanctuaries offer a cultural, heritage and spiritual journey along the St. Lawrence River. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions and realities of another era, and to discover the daring figures who have influenced the course of our history. Contact each sanctuary directly for opening hours.

• Sainte-Famille Church | stefamilpar@videotron.ca | 450 655-9024
• Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville Sanctuary |lgirard@sanctuaireyouville.ca | 450 652-6976
• Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral | receptionantoine@bellnet.ca | 450 674-1549