Five religious heritage sites have come together to develop the Saint Lawrence River Shrines tour and present the public with a new tourist destination on Montreal’s South Shore: Saint Lawrence River Shrines. Some of them are directed by CRC members.
The official launching took place at the motherhouse of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary with the support of a number of noted guests and local actors. Sister Catherine Ferguson, General Superior, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, said: “The development of this unique experience is the result of a team work enabling us to combine our efforts with other spiritual centres by building on our offering”. “This is the opportunity for small shrines like our own to be seen and heard” tells us Sister Nicole Fournier, a representative of the Gray Nuns of Montreal who invites everyone to discover those shrines and take pride in their heritage.
Here are some quotations from actors of the project attending the official launch:
“Tourisme Montérégie is proud to have collaborated in the development of this new venture that presents the religious heritage of the Monteregie and contributes to promoting tourism in our fabulous region” – Josée Julien, General Director, Tourisme Montérégie.
“Religious tourism is growing throughout the world and our initiative is part of that trend. A group like ours contributes to promoting our heritage and ensuring its sustainability” – Kimberly Cross, Tourism Development Agent, Kahnawake Tourism.
“Each of the Saint Lawrence River Shrines is a place of welcome, of listening, of humility and friendship. With their individual personalities each blessed person or Saint, witnesses to Christ, invites us to life, to peace and to joy. Come and discover this unique experience!” – Christian Rodembourg, pastor, Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue parish.
«“The staff and volunteers are already mobilized and committed to provide a welcoming atmosphere. They will do everything they can to satisfy the visitors every need, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the tourist” – Daniel Boivin, pastor, Saint Famille Parish, Boucherville, Quebec.
Members of the partnership include:
- The Saint Francis Xavier Mission and Shrine of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Kahnawake
- The Cocathedral of Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue, Longueuil
- The Marie-Rose Centre, Longueuil
- The Sainte-Famille Church, Boucherville
- The Sanctuary of Saint Marguerite d’Youville,Varennes
About
The Saint Lawrence River Shrines brings together five sites to bear witness to the religious devotion of the times and the great talent of their creators. From the Mohawk community in Kahnawake to Varennes, to Longueuil and to Boucherville, tourists and pilgrims are welcomed to visit the shrines, all of which are located less than an hour from Montreal.