Young adults have been making their way to the forecourt of Saint Joseph's Oratory each week since spring, drawn together by a single intention: the renewal of faith in Quebec. The initiative behind it, Renouveau du Québec (Quebec's Renewal), was launched by Cyril Azzi as part of a 1,000-day prayer journey that has just passed its first major milestone: the 100-day mark. We sat down with its founder to talk about how the movement began, the growing number of young people it continues to draw, and the hope that keeps it going.

1. How did Renouveau du Québec come about, and where did the idea come from to pray the rosary for 1,000 consecutive days for the renewal of faith in Quebec?

I was in Abitibi-Témiscamingue on a temporary work assignment during Holy Week. It was at the Easter Vigil, during Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral in Rouyn-Noranda, that I felt a strong call in my heart to take up this initiative and consecrate it to the renewal of faith in Quebec.

This inspiration, though, had a precedent. During the pandemic, we had already undertaken something similar. What began as a few days of praying the rosary, hoping a young adult formation event would bear fruit, suddenly turned into a daily rosary for the renewal of faith in Montreal. We hadn't planned it that way at the outset, but we kept at it, day after day, until we reached the thousandth day.

When that call came again at the Easter Vigil, we simply felt the desire to take it up once more, this time extending it across the whole province.

2. You've just passed the 100-day mark. What does this milestone mean to you and to those who take part each week?

These first 100 days represent, above all, faithfulness, perseverance, and dedication in prayer. They embody the commitment we made before God, and they mark an important first step: bearing witness to our presence, our constancy, and our desire to see this through to the end.

But this milestone is also an invitation. No one needs to have prayed from day one to take part in this adventure. As in the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), it's never too late to join the mission.

These 100 days also remind us of Jesus' call to persevere in prayer, like the widow who keeps returning to the judge until she is heard (Luke 18:1-8). And they invite us to move forward with faith the size of a mustard seed, which Jesus tells us can move mountains (Matthew 17:20).

3. Since the initiative began, a growing number of young adults have been gathering at Saint Joseph's Oratory. What do you think explains that momentum?

I think it starts with a flame that was already burning in the hearts of many young people. A lot of them had long hoped to see faith come alive again in Quebec, but wondered what they could actually do about it, and whether they were alone in wanting that.

Renouveau du Québec simply wanted to give those people a place to meet. By offering something as simple as gathering to pray the rosary, the initiative has helped young people who felt alone find one another, encourage each other, and move forward together. Several have even told us they had been praying for a long time for something like this to exist. Looking back on it all, we sense that the Holy Spirit was already preparing hearts, and that He simply allowed us to come together.

Others came out of curiosity and discovered a generation of young believers who are joyful and genuine. When faith is lived with simplicity and authenticity, it becomes contagious. Jesus tells us, "Where two or three gather in my name, I am there among them" (Matthew 18:20). I think that's what many people come looking for, and what they find: not just a group, but a presence.

A single ember, left on its own, will eventually go out. But brought together, embers become a fire. That may be what explains this momentum: young people discovering that they aren't alone, and that praying together lets them carry a hope bigger than themselves, the hope of seeing God rekindle faith in Quebec.

4. What are some of the most memorable testimonies, or moments, that have stayed with you since the movement began?

What has struck us most is watching a genuine sense of communion develop organically, not only among these young people but with the wider Church. It's been remarkable to see such a strong desire for connection, common prayer, and collaboration, even across different youth groups and movements, as they encourage and support one another in their own missions, looking past personal interest, for the glory of God.

Seeing so many young people filled with joy, eager to witness to their faith together and to welcome one another warmly, remains a source of inspiration week after week.

The other thing that has stayed with us is the sheer fervour these young people share. One evening, a downpour lasted almost the entire prayer. More than 150 young people stayed until the end, joyful the whole time. That moment left a deep impression on all of us, and made us realize that something truly beautiful is taking shape.

5. The movement also has a strong presence on Instagram and reaches a lot of people online. What role do social media play in your mission of evangelization?

Social media have helped spread word of the initiative to a great many people. They also let us share what these young people are experiencing at the Oratory and encourage others to join us in prayer.

We're already seeing similar initiatives take shape in other parts of Quebec, including Quebec City, and soon Trois-Rivières. That fills us with joy.

Our hope is that rosary prayer communities for Renouveau du Québec will spring up across the province, and that a genuine network of young Catholics will take shape here in Quebec.

6. What message would you like to share with those who are still hesitant to join you, and what are your hopes for the 900 days ahead?

I would simply tell them, "Come and see." Let's trust in God and in what He can do, and let's be convinced that this rosary prayer adventure will bear fruit.

Whether it's your first rosary or your thousandth, whether you're a committed churchgoer, searching, curious, or even skeptical, you're welcome. Our desire is simply to pray together, and to grow both in our friendship with God and in our fellowship with one another.

If you'd like to join us, we meet every Tuesday for the rosary at 8:30 p.m., following the 7:30 p.m. Mass, on the forecourt of Saint Joseph's Oratory, next to the large bronze boat sculpture. You can also follow our Instagram page, Renouveau du Québec, for updates on upcoming gatherings and to track the journey.

For the 900 days ahead, our hope is to see this flame continue to spread to every region of Quebec. We believe God has something beautiful in store for our province.

Through this initiative, a generation eager to live and share its faith continues to gather in prayer. Mission Jeunesse Montreal, the diocesan youth ministry office, accompanies the group and supports it in this journey, helping it grow and reach even more young adults.