A National day of remembrance for victims of COVID-19 has been declared by the Government of Quebec and will be held on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Faith communities have been invited to participate in this event.

Some commemorative ceremonies will be performed to mark the occasion, as circumstances permit:
 

• Following the civic ceremony from 12 noon until 1:00 p.m. in the forecourt of the hôtel du Parlement, a minute's silence will be observed at 1:00 p.m. and, if possible, the bell(s) will be tolled at one minute after 1:00 p.m.
   
• A commemorative object, such as a cross, will be placed before the place of worship, allowing easy access to those who wish to come and meditate, place a flower, a candle, a card or other tribute.
   
• A Mass or a moment of prayer may be planned

Attached you will find a list of specific initiatives that will be organized in our parishes and places of worship. 

Archbishop Lépine will also preside at a commemorative Mass on March 11 at 5:00 p.m. at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. The Mass will be broadcast on the diocesan YouTube channel.

During this Mass, Archbishop Lépine will offer special prayers for the deceased persons named in the IN MEMORIAM list created for this purpose. 

Later on March 11, at 8:00 pm, the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism invites you to participate via Zoom in an interfaith ceremony in memory of the victims of COVID-19. People of various faith communities will be praying for the deceased. The event is free of charge. To register, click here.

In addition, the Montreal-based organization Dard (Dynamique d'accompagnement et de rituel de deuil) proposes lighting a star for a loved one who has passed away within the last year as a result of the pandemic. To read the full article, click here.

For more information concerning the National day of remembrance for victims of COVID-19 declared by the Government of Quebec, please click here.