Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Quebec

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a village in La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality, Quebec, at the junction of the Sainte Anne river with the St Lawrence, 35 kilometres north-east of the city of Quebec. The population was 2,803 according to the Canada 2006 Census. The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is located in the village.

The village stands in a rolling agricultural country, with hills in the background and is a major Roman Catholic place of pilgrimage. The first church was built by sailors who would often become ship-wrecked off Ile-Oeuf on their way to Quebec City. Saint Anne is the patron saint of sailors. The church has been burnt and rebuilt over time because of war and neglect.

In addition to the basilica, the village contains numerous religious edifices, the chief being the Scala Santa, built in imitation of the Holy Stairs in Rome.

The Sainte Anne de Beaupré also has the only copy of Michelangelo's Pietà. The original is in the Vatican City.

The basilica is also known as a place of miracles. One of the builders of the original church, Louis Guimont, helped build the church despite having severe scoliosis and needing the aid of a crutch. When the church was complete, he was able to walk independently. Subsequent visitors to the church who have prayed have left their canes, crutches and walking aides behind as testament to their healing. The main wall when you first walk into the basilica is now completely covered with crutches. There is, however, still a wheelchair access ramp.

Attractions

Canyon Sainte-Anne, lying 6 km east of the town, is a steep walled gorge. A 74 m. waterfall lies within the canyon. The canyon is accessible to visitors via footpaths and foot bridges.

References

*1911

External links

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* [http://groups.msn.com/SainteAnnedeBeaupre/ Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré on MSN Groups] — group of discussion open to general public, featuring historic and contemporary photography.