Two new temporary exhibitions and the opening to the public of a third shrine are among the new features of the 2021 summer season for the Shrines of the River, the only structured religious heritage circuit in Quebec. Thus, the Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral in Longueuil, the Sainte-Famille Church in Boucherville and the Marguerite-d’Youville Sanctuary in Varennes are open until September.
Some new features at the Sanctuaries of the River for the Summer Season
Two new temporary exhibitions and the opening to the public of a third shrine are among the new features of the 2021 summer season for the Shrines of the River, the only structured religious heritage circuit in Quebec. Thus, the Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral in Longueuil, the Sainte-Famille Church in Boucherville and the Marguerite-d’Youville Sanctuary in Varennes are open until September. Only the Centre Marie-Rose and the Sainte-Kateri-Tekakwitha Shrine have postponed their opening to take into account certain sanitary requirements in this era of progressive lifting of restrictions.
The Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville Shrine is offering a temporary exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of its opening on June 25, 1961. Visitors can also take advantage of their visit to learn about the life of this pioneer of social services in Canada. Marguerite d’Youville welcomed the underprivileged, the homeless, the indigent, the sick, single mothers and orphans, regardless of race or nationality. Complete your tour by visiting the magnificent Basilica of Sainte-Anne de Varennes, located nearby.
Sainte-Famille Church in Boucherville is known for its many heritage attractions. Facing the Boucherville Islands, it is located in the historic heart of one of the oldest cities in Quebec. Built of stone, the Sainte-Famille Church has an interesting architecture. Its interior layout is just as fascinating with the diversity of its attractions: high altar, sanctuary lamp, vault, baptistery… The guided tour also allows you to discover the particularities of its exhibition of sacred art which gathers a whole collection of religious objects from the parish. It is a reopening for this place which remained closed all year 2020.
For the 2021 summer season, the Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-Cathedral opens its doors, offering access to its museum and the chapel of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher. Its museum offers a new temporary exhibition « Waste of yesterday, treasures of today ». It highlights the archaeological collection of the Historical Society of Longueuil. Through various objects, from mysterious bottles that could contain perfume water or miraculous syrup, to elegant inkwells, fine dishes and pottery, the information gathered gives a glimpse of the way of life of people of Longueuil at the end of the 19th century. It complements the permanent exhibition which traces the history of Longueuil since its foundation.
The Sanctuaries of the St. Lawrence offer a cultural, patrimonial and spiritual journey
along the St. Lawrence River. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions and realities of another era and to discover the daring characters who have influenced the course of our history. Contact each shrine directly for their opening hours.
- Sainte-Famille Church | stefamilpar@videotron.ca | 450 655-9024
- Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville Shrine | lgirard@sanctuaireyouville.ca | 450 652-6976
- Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Cocathedral | receptionantoine@bellnet.ca | 450 674-1549