Pope Francis Sends Special Envoy Cardinal Aveline to Quebec for the 350th Anniversary of the Archdiocese
On Saturday, July 20, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille, to represent him at the family celebration organized from September 20 to 22, 2024.
In 1674, Saint François de Laval became the first bishop of the brand new diocese of Quebec established by Pope Clement X. This Frenchman, canonized by Pope Francis in 2014, devoted himself for thirty years to the first evangelization of New France, including the French colonial territories in North America.
This key figure of the Church of Quebec is celebrated alongside many other personalities during the 350th anniversary of the creation of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Quebec. From December 8, 2023 to December 8, 2024, the archdiocese is organizing a jubilee with a packed program to celebrate the creation of this very first diocese in North America.
The meeting is in the Old Quebec district, the historic heart of the city, for visits to the founding communities, such as the Ursuline nuns' school or the Augustinian Hospitallers' hospital. A festive day will take place in the center of Quebec, as well as a mass with all the bishops of Canada gathered for their annual assembly. In addition, three praise concerts will be given by the pop-praise group Glorious, for a very first tour on Canadian soil.
The only Holy Door outside Europe
The 350th anniversary of the Archdiocese began on December 8, 2023, with a grand opening celebration and the opening of the Holy Door. Throughout the year, pilgrims are invited to pass through this only Holy Door outside of Europe as a spiritual journey.
A pilgrimage along the Kapoah Trail, a sort of "Camino de Santiago" in Quebec that ends at the foot of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Quebec, is also offered to the faithful. The longest trail starts from the sanctuary of the Hermitage Saint-Antoine du Lac Bouchette and follows the Saguenay River and then the Saint-Laurent River for 500 kilometers, or about a month of walking. Several monasteries along the trail open their doors and welcome walkers during their stops.
Finally, numerous conferences, concerts and other cultural activities also punctuate this year of festivities.
The Pope and Quebec
Pope Francis visited Quebec City from July 27 to 29, 2022, during a trip dedicated in particular to the Church's relations with indigenous people. The Holy Father also appointed the Archbishop of Quebec, Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, to the C9, the council of cardinals that assists him in the government of the universal Church.
The Primate of Canada is, however, still temporarily withdrawn from his episcopal office, following the dissemination of an anonymous allegation of sexual assault. However, at the end of May 2024, the results of the investigation ordered by the Vatican and conducted by an independent Quebec judge did not allow " the identification of any act of misconduct or abuse on the part of Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix."
The Archdiocese of Quebec has a population of 1.2 million people, approximately 80% of whom are Catholic, and covers more than 350,000 km2.
After this diocesan celebration in mid-September 2024, the Quebec Church will once again have the opportunity to rejoice on October 20, for the canonization of the foundress of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family of Sherbrooke, Mother Marie-Léonie Paradis.
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Source: Vatican News French Edition: Jean-Benoît Harel – Vatican City
Photo Credit: Pope Francis and Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline – Vatican News
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