On September 7, 2008, in collaboration with the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec officially acknowledged religious orders and congregations of the Quebec City Diocese for their dedication over the past 400 years. This took place during a gathering of more than 1300 of these dedicated men and women at the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. During this day of Recognition and Gratitude, their contribution to the creation of the first schools and hospitals, as well as their incessant support towards the young and the destitute, was particularly honoured.

     The Eucharistic Celebration was presided by Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec City and Primate of Canada. During the celebration, a commemorative plaque, paying tribute to the contribution of religious communities with respect to the foundation of Quebec City, was unveiled by Mr. Jean Leclerc, president of the board of directors of the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec. "The social implication of French-speaking and English-speaking religious orders and congregations since the arrival of Samuel de Champlain has evolved a great deal, but their contribution in the areas of healthcare, education, social rights, and numerous charitable organizations remains undeniable. This commemorative plaque will be placed on a granite socle next to the tomb of the first bishop of Quebec, Bishop François de Laval, at the Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica Cathedral."

      Cardinal Marc Ouellet added, "This day of Recognition and Gratitude is an important day for the Catholic Church. The heritage left to us by our predecessors has just been acknowledged once again today. Let us never forget people like Marie de l'Incarnation who, with the Ursuline community, contributed towards education for young women, and like Jeffery Hale who subsidized education and healthcare. This moment of recognition in the context of the 400th Anniversary Celebrations greatly touches us." Cardinal Marc Ouellet also mentioned the work of the first missionaries and pioneers, such as the first Recollets and Jesuits, Bishop François de Laval and the Quebec Seminary, as well as Marie-Catherine de Saint-Augustin and the Augustine Community.

      The Eucharistic celebration was preceded by a concert given by the Choir of Quebec and of a never-before-seen historical play relating 400 years of collaboration, kindness, and solidarity. This representation was presented to the members of 78 religious orders and congregations who were gathered at the Basilica. 12 people from the past came to life and shared the flame that burned within them and that still burns today within these religious communities. These people include Bishop de Laval, Blessed Marie de l'Incarnation, Catherine de Saint-Augustin, Brother Luc, Virginie Fournier, Brother Clément, Jeffery Hale, Dina Bélanger, Father Lelièvre, Marcelle Malette, and Bishop Bégin. This historical panorama, a production of Alain Dubé Productions, presented the loving and patient work of these religious communities, often performed in difficult and trying conditions, which has moulded our history and placed the foundations of today's society.