The Basilica
The Basilica is a Shrine dedicated to Saint Anne. It is therefore normal that the first images that catch our attention tell us of Saint Anne.
Even though we know little about Saint Anne, the fact that she is the mother of Mary and the grandmother of Jesus is enough for the Church to acknowledge and venerate her.
The Basilica's entire central vault speaks of Saint Anne: it tells us of her life, the life of a blessed Jewish woman of the era; it lists her many virtues, which we should really adopt as our own; it also depicts her glorification.
Top of page
The
vestibule
As you enter the Basilica, you immediately find yourself in the vestibule. Here, the entire decor was conceived around a central idea, a sort of evocation of the world in which we live, a representation of divine activity and intervention through time as it is shaped by human industry.
| |
 |
First, we meet with God the Father, Creator. |
| |
|
Then we discover creation: the solar system and nature are represented on the vault by animals, plants, and fruit. |
| |
|
Then comes time: hours, days, and seasons are depicted at the centre of the vault. The months are represented by zodiac signs. |
| |
|
The chapel situated at the north end of the vestibule evokes birth: a ring of newborns express the joy of new life springing from baptismal waters. |
| |
|
As you walk from one end to the other, you notice the work of humans represented by a series of mosaic on the floor: this mosaic represents the arts, sciences, and different occupations and trades. |
| |
|
The chapel situated at the south end reminds us how death was defeated by the Lord and therefore became the beginning of eternal life. |
| |
|
Finally, at the center of all this, there is a couple dancing, for dance is a way to express one's joy of living and of entering God's house. |
Top of page
The Apse
At the heart of the apse, just over the main altar, we see Saint Anne, the Virgin Mary, and the Child Jesus.
Saint Anne is presenting a fruit to Jesus. It is not simply a treat from a grandmother to her grandson; it is a marvellous symbol of his mission as Redeemer and Saviour of humanity. It is not the fruit of death like the fruit that Adam and Eve ate, but it is a fruit of LIFE, erasing original sin.
In this glorification, these three people are surrounded by many blessed and saints of our Church ; they include St. Joseph, St. Joachim, and St. John the Baptist. In the background, we see a great orchestra of angels, magnificently elegant as they play various instruments and raise their voice in song.
Top of page
The
statue of Saint Anne
Glorified in heaven, many people pray to Saint Anne here on earth. Many travel to the Shrine to do so: they flock to the foot of her statue and offer their sufferings and thanksgiving in prayer. They come here, as they would to their own grandmother’s home, sure of a warm welcome.
The chapel of Saint Anne
This chapel, situated just behind the statue of Saint Anne, is also dedicated to our blessed grandmother. A relic of Saint Anne is exposed in this chapel; it was given to the Shrine by Pope John XXIII. The mosaic of this chapel evokes her role as protectress of the small and the humble, of all those who suffer.
The two stained-glass windows
The two large stained-glass windows at the end of the transepts, the arms of the Latin cross, are also dedicated to Saint Anne. They evoke two great Shrines: Sainte-Anne-d’Auray in Brittany and the Church of Saint Anne in Jerusalem.
The most important role of Saint Anne is to guide us towards her grandson Jesus. This Basilica is primarily a place of prayer, a place where one can participate in the Holy Eucharist, which is the best way to meet Jesus.
Top of page
First series of stained-glass windows
Christ is the first person to catch our eye. Dressed in his red vestment, He is seen in the stained-glass window just above the main altar. He is surrounded by prophets and patriarchs of the Old Testement who predicted and announced His coming.
Jesus, during his public life, preached the Good News. We can read his message in the stained-glass windows found at the top of the transepts. These windows call to mind one of His most fundamental texts: his sermon on the mountain where he proclaimed his famous Beatitudes: words of Light, Hope, and Joy, which constantly renew our gatherings and our lives.
In the stained-glass windows of the central nave, we see witnesses who marked the history of the Church.
Second series of stained-glass windows
In the ambulatory, surrounding the sanctuary, we see the Lord's apostles, the first disciples. The four evangelists are also represented in four "bull's eye" stained-glass windows at the crossing of the sanctuary and the transept.
In the central nave, we see the history of devotion to Saint Anne, as it started in Quebec and Canada, and spread to the rest of North America.
The capitals
The capitals, found atop the granite columns, allow us to discover through remarkable art what is written in the gospels : the life of Christ, from his birth to his death and resurrection.
These sculptures of Mr. Émile Brunet are considered true works of art.and could very well be the most beautiful capitals in the world.
The authors of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are carved into the four central columns of the Basilica. They put their experience in writing. We constantly turn to these gospels, which make Jesus ever present and close to us today.
Top of page
The Ambulatory Chapels
The ambulatory and its chapels were built before the Vatican Council II. As all the priests at that time celebrated mass at their own altar, the Basilica needed several chapels to accommodate them. These chapels are still there and, through their beauty, give praise to God. Forming a crown around the altar, a mosaic mural portraying the history of the Eucharist is found just above these chapels.
These chapels are dedicated, from left to right, to the following saints:
St. Alphonsus, founder of the Redemptorist Congregation.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, whose devotion was confided to the Redemptorists.
St. Patrick, a tribute to the numerous pilgrims of Irish origin.
St. Joseph, Saint Anne's son-in-law.
St. Benedict, one of our great spiritual fathers and founder of the Benedictines.
St. John Baptist de la Salle, teacher and founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
St. Joachim, Saint Anne's husband.
St. John the Baptist, patron saint of French Canadians.
The Blessed Sacrament, chapel of the blessed presence during large celebrations.
St. Gerard Majella, a Redemptorist brother and remarkable saint.
The pews
The Holy Eucharist and other celebrations gather the children of God together. However, it's God's entire creation that comes together to offer a song of thanksgiving, as if the 260 different plants and animals sculpted on the pews of the Basilica's central nave join us in praise.
The floor
Even the floor has a story ! It reminds us of our own limitations. We come to the Shrine to meet with Jesus, however we realize that we often distance ourselves from him. But what really separates us from the Lord?
First, the three concupiscences are depicted as you enter the central nave: honours, riches, and pleasures. In themselves, they are not bad things, as long as we use them in moderation.
In the center aisle, the seven capital sins are represented by various animals.
Top of page
The Immaculate Conception Chapel
The Immaculate Conception Chapel is found in the lower level of the Basilica.
Of typical roman architecture, this chapel is decorated with paintings by Mr. Frédéric Doyon. Mr. Doyon is responsible for the paintings in the apse "The Visit of the Three Kings and The Presentation of Mary at the Temple" as well as the three paintings in the north triptych.
Mr. Doyon passed away before finishing his work. Mr. Marius Dubois has continued his work. He is responsible for several paintings of the blessed of the Church, as well as The Crowning of Mary that we find at the back of the chapel.
The capitals
By way of capitals atop the columns in the chapel, 176 small mosaics represent God's creation once again: birds, flowers, and butterflies, miniature but beautiful, show us yet again the great love that God has for us.
The Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Mr. Marius Dubois is also responsible for the decoration of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, centred on the Eucharist. The Mystical Lamb is depicted at the centre of this decor, surrounded by the abundant harvest, announcing the Eucharist.
Top of page
Just two more things.
One of the best replicas of the Pietà, work of Michelangelo, is found in the Immaculate Conception Chapel, and it is much more than a simple work of art! Many pilgrims find strength, courage, and hope in this sculpture.
Father Pampalon
At the opposite side of the chapel, we find the tomb of Venerable Father Pampalon, a young Quebec Redemptorist who passed away here at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré at the age of 29. Many people believed that he was already a saint. Those who suffer from alcohol or drug addictions often find guidance and comfort in praying to Father Pampalon.
Conclusion
We have just finished a quick tour of the Basilica. We have quickly turned the pages of this magnificent history book. I would say, in conclusion, that we are undoubtedly in the presence of a great work of art, but the Shrine is much more than a work of art.
This Basilica is the expression of faith of our people, of their devotion to the Mother of Mary whom they affectionately call Good Saint Anne. It is a great place of prayer, light, and hope. A place of celebration and reconciliation.
Let us pray the prayer that Pope John Paul II addressed to Saint Anne on September 10, 1984 :
"Good Saint Anne, I have come to honour you and invoke you with all these pilgrims in the Shrine of Beaupre. Since the beginning of the Church in Canada, many people have experienced the effect of your power and kindness. Extend your kindness to the Church of today. May it renew its fervour to accomplish the Mission that Christ has confided to it and may Redemption become more and more abundant in this world that is so in need of light, justice, and peace. "
Top of page
