Partners in Mission Participate in Novena

Our Baltimore Province co-chairs of Partners in Mission (PIM), Lucy McNamara and Francis Gargani, joined Anne Walsh, Director of the Permanent Office of PIM of North America and the Congregation, as well as Monique Martin, another PIM member of Canada, for the Novena to “Bonne Sainte Anne” at the Shrine of Saint Anne in Quebec from July 20 – 27. Our shrine’s Basilica Church is truly magnificent, adorned with extraordinary mosaics, beautifully decorated for the Novena. 
   
Each day Anne Walsh gave a wonderful Homily at the English Mass, based on the Novena Theme, “Sent to Every Encounter.” Fr. Francis was the cantor. Monique and Lucy took turns leading folks in the praying of the Rosary beforehand, and were also the Lectors at Mass. Anne, Lucy, and Francis would walk through the Basilica Church and the outdoor Basilica porch and plaza to greet and meet folks, with Francis often blessing religious articles upon request, and all three praying over folks in need of healing.
  
Each evening, everyone participated in the main French Mass and the candlelight procession with the Blessed Sacrament that followed, through the outdoor plaza. During the procession, Anne Walsh joined another priest, leading many prayers and invocations that accompanied the procession over the loudspeakers. Veneration of the relics of St. Anne closed the evening. The evening program lasted at least two-hours.
   The numbers and vast diversity of peoples from different parts of Canada and the United States and elsewhere was amazing, including many “First Nation” peoples, often non-Catholic, whose own matriarchal culture fosters their devotion to Bonne Sainte Anne. Several members celebrated their “First” Sacraments during the Novena. The Vigil and Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, July 25 and 26, had well over 2500 people participating.
    
Redemptorists, priests, and laity from around the globe joined the regular Shrine Staff over the course of the summer, including several Redemptorist students from different Units. Especially during the Novena, the various priests celebrated the several Masses of the day, celebrated Reconciliation, and staffed the Office for blessing both the people and their purchased sacramentals.
  
Summer volunteering for “Shrine Ministry” at the beautiful Sainte Anne de Beaupre is highly recommended to both professed Redemptorists and PIM members! †