New this summer at the Sanctuaires du fleuve

The five members of the Sanctuaires du fleuve are looking forward to welcoming you all summer long with new attractions and the pleasure of meeting you again. Fans of heritage, historical and cultural discoveries will be delighted by free visits (voluntary contribution) to these sites, which combine architectural beauty, museums and new temporary exhibitions.

For one, the Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville Shrine in Varennes presents a brand-new temporary exhibition entitled Marguerite d’Youville et son rayonnement (Marguerite d’Youville and her influence). The exhibition explores other aspects of the role played by this pioneer of social services in Canada. The first Canadian woman to be canonized, Marguerite d’Youville welcomed the homeless, the underprivileged, the sick, single mothers and orphans, regardless of race or nationality. The shrine stands on the very site of her birth. Extend your visit with a visit to the Sainte-Anne Basilica, featuring a new exhibition of ancient sacred objects.

Renowned for its many heritage attractions, Sainte-Famille de Boucherville Church is a must-see. Facing the Boucherville islands, it’s located in the historic heart of one of Quebec’s oldest cities. Built of stone, the interior of Sainte-Famille church features many interesting historical elements: high altar, sanctuary lamp, vault, baptistery… A guided tour also reveals the particularities of its sacred art exhibition, which brings together a collection of parish objects.

In Longueuil, you’ll find the Centre Marie-Rose. This museum space of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) includes a museum, chapel, historic rooms where Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher lived and the Foundation House, built in 1811. Two outdoor itineraries, one dedicated to architectural heritage and the other in the form of a silent pilgrimage, are also offered. A new archive exhibition, Femmes audacieuses et agentes de changement, highlights the issues of the day and illustrates the legacy of Mother Marie-Rose, whose 40th anniversary of beatification was celebrated this year.

A few steps away is the Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral. This landmark provides access to a museum that traces the history of Longueuil since its foundation. The new temporary exhibition takes a different look, with a pictorial presentation of 50 years of archaeological digs. It’s an invitation to discover Longueuil underground. In the right transept, the co-cathedral houses the Marie-Rose chapel, where Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher is laid to rest.

The Sainte-Kateri-Tekakwitha Sanctuary in Kahnawake, in the Jesuit mission built in 1720, is an opportunity to reconnect with another piece of history. A guided tour of the church, museum and Interpretation Centre reveals the diversity of the historical, cultural and archaeological treasures on display, including manuscripts, numerous artifacts (arrowheads, beads, etc.) and the tomb of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, a young Aboriginal woman canonized on October 21, 2012.

The only structured religious heritage circuit, the Sanctuaires du fleuve offer a cultural, heritage and spiritual journey along the St. Lawrence River, from Varennes to Kahnawake. 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 shrine directly for opening hours. Admission is free (voluntary contribution).

• Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville Sanctuary |lgirard@sanctuaireyouville.ca | 450 652-6976
• Sainte-Famille Church | stefamilpar@videotron.ca | 450 655-9024
• Centre Marie-Rose |reception@snjm.org | 450 651-8104
• Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral | receptionantoine@bellnet.ca | 450 674-1549
• Sainte-Kateri-Tekakwitha Sanctuary |info@kahnawaketourism.com| 450 632-6030