Sainte-Anne de Beaupré et ses pèlerins: vivre en lien avec une personne de l'au-delà

Abstract

This article concentrates on the Sainte Anne de Beaupré pilgrimage which takes place in the Canadian Province of Quebec. This sanctuary, which receives more than a million visitors every year, was founded when the Beaupré coast was opened up to the first European settlers. The legendary aspect of its origins overlaps with the life experience of the first settlers: the discovery of a new land, which seems like a gift after all the dangers of the sea-crossing, and a sign of salvation from the Heavens. The holy potential of these new lands is confirmed by legends about their origins, and this new universe is heavily influenced by the importance given to religion. The article attempts to convey those characteristic elements of the worship of Sainte Anne which relate to practice at the sanctuary of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré— e.g. the earth giving out water as a sign of salvation. Descriptions are based on study of the prayers, interviews with and letters of real pilgrims. The significance of links with the living are stressed; as are membership of the family and the community of mankind; the maternal nature of the mother of Christ; and the connections this makes with the environment of the family. The ability to live through time in a positive way and with trust opens up the route to experiencing the everyday reality of salvation as a fore-runner to its full accomplishment in the hereafter.