Some 15 years ago I used to drive quite often from Nova Scotia to Ontario, always taking Hwy 20, but by good fortune (or fate) one day I decided to take Hwy 138. By the time I got to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, my car needed filling up, so I stopped at a gas station not far from your church.

I was drawn by the magnificence of the building, so I decided to take a look to see what it was like inside. I immediately felt a Holiness and Sacred presence; I stayed a while, read about Saint Anne, said a few prayers, lit a candle and then went on my way. Since that day whenever I have driven through Quebec I always take Hwy 138, so that I can visit Saint Anne’s.

Years later, in May of 2004 I was diagnosed with cancer. The doctors told me that it had been there for 2-3 years, yet I hadn’t felt sick, or had any symptoms. They told me that the cancer was by now a very aggressive type, and that I might have as little as 6 months to live. I was devastated, I feared for my life, and I was worried sick about the impact this would have on my wife and our son.

I didn’t know which way to turn, so I turned to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. I drove down and spent much of the day alone in prayer, opening my heart to Saint Anne, asking that my life be spared. I also prayed that I would be able to cope and that my fears would be calmed, if I was going to die.

When I was first diagnosed, the situation looked so bad that I wasn’t even offered a treatment plan, yet within months my condition improved dramatically. The doctors decided to operate, in October 2004, to do what they could, but I was advised it certainly wouldn’t be a cure. It’s now been over 3 years since I was first diagnosed. Right now, although they say the cancer is still there, at least it is in remission. I feel fine, and I no longer fear for my life.

I feel compelled to present my Testimony of thanks to Saint Anne, reflecting on that fateful day that I discovered your church. The odd thing is, I’m not even a Catholic, I was born in England, and brought up in the Church of England, but I guess that neither Saint Anne, nor God, nor Jesus Christ love me the less for that. I would very much appreciate it if you would mention me and my wife Pauline, and our son Matthew in prayer.

May God Bless you, the Priests, and the people of your Parish for providing a Sanctuary of hope, a place where prayers can be heard, and a place where miracles can, and do, happen.

Yours Sincerely,
Bob Norburn