Under a brilliant blue sky, nearly 300 people gathered on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Sanctuaire de la Réparation, the Capuchin shrine in Pointe-aux-Trembles (Montreal), to honour the memory of St. Francis of Assisi on the eighth centenary of his entry into eternal life.

The day was organized by the diocesan Office for Consecrated Life, in collaboration with the Franciscan Family of Montreal. Thanks to the heartfelt dedication of Sister Jacqueline Tchamgbade, sndt, director of the office, her assistant, Sister Guerla Alexis, sp, and the Capuchin friars of the shrine, it took on all the warmth of a big family celebration. Women and men religious and Secular Franciscans (ofs) of the Franciscan family, along with associates, consecrated persons and many of the diocesan faithful, came from across the province to share in this special day, from Trois-Rivières and Lac-Bouchette to Quebec City and Montreal.

A contemplative walk in the woods

From the 9 a.m. welcome, the mood was one of smiles, reunions and fellowship. Pilgrims then set out along the shrine’s woodland trails on a spiritual journey with four stations. The stations recalled the final years of St. Francis’s life, from the Christmas crib at Greccio (1223) to his passing (1226). Each had been commemorated in turn during the three years of preparation for the 800th anniversary of the passing of the Poverello, the “little poor man” of Assisi.

The first station, at the Chapelle de la Réparation, was devoted to 2023 and the Greccio crib, presented by Brother Alix Poulin, ofm cap. The second, at the Scala Sancta, turned to 2024 and the stigmata St. Francis received on Mount La Verna, recounted by Brother Alain Akim, ofm cap. For the third, centred on 2025 and the Canticle of the Creatures, we stopped before the Creation stained-glass window by Brother Guy Bruneau, ofm cap., where Gilles Métivier, ofs, reflected on the last year of St. Francis’s life. Finally, at the Calvary and the tomb, Brother Armand Blanc, ofm cap., reminded us of St. Francis’s passing before we went on to celebrate the Eucharist.

It was a precious moment of calm, discovery, prayer and meditation, surrounded by nature.

A lively, uplifting celebration

At 11 a.m., gathered under a large tent, we celebrated the Eucharist outdoors with Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal as principal celebrant. The liturgy rang out with the voices of the Vox Luminosa choir and the Franciscains de l’Emmanuel, whose music was moving and inspired.

Brother Sylvain Richer, ofm cap., provincial minister of the Capuchins, opened the celebration with a warm welcome for our archbishop and every pilgrim. Brother Henri Éthier, ofm, gave an inspiring homily. At the end of Mass, Father Jean-Pierre Ducharme, ofm, provincial minister of the Franciscans of Canada, thanked Archbishop Lépine and the whole community. Brother André Chicoine, ofm cap., had set the tone for the liturgy by preparing it with care and fervour.

Lunch: the simple joy of sharing

After Mass, it was time to relax! Over an outdoor picnic, everyone could grab a bite, take time to chat and reconnect, and enjoy one another’s company in a simple, easygoing atmosphere.

A surprise birthday party to close the day

In the early afternoon, the celebration moved to the Capuchins’ cafeteria, beautifully decorated for the occasion. The Franciscan communities and consecrated persons present gathered there to mark Archbishop Lépine’s birthday, which had fallen the day before. Sister Pierrette Bertrand, ofsj, offered best wishes on behalf of all before the archbishop cut the cake to applause and a chorus of birthday wishes in song. It was a joyful, heartfelt moment shared with our archbishop.

A final word

This pilgrimage will long be remembered as a success on every count. More than a commemoration, the day showed how vibrant and alive St. Francis’s charism remains, and how much fellowship it still inspires among us today.

Photos

Sr. Guerla Alexis, sp
Assistant, Office for Consecrated Life
Archdiocese of Montreal
With Br. André Chicoine, ofm cap.