July 22, 2025

A Visit to the Basilica of Sainte Anne de Beaupre

By students Amir El Boukfaoui and Mariam Chakir

The Sainte Anne Basilica is a very beautiful sight.

a picture of a large church — Saint Anne de Beaupre Basilica (photo courtesy of Mariam Chakir)

I enjoyed how culturally connected it is, which is clearly represented by the paintings of Jesus and the paintings of the First Nations.

An image of walls with artwork — Art in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception showing First Nations people's interaction with Catholic tradition (Photo courtesy of Mariam Chakir)

The architecture was very pretty, and the Cathedral itself was made of stone and wood. It has beautiful pews in the main worship room as well as the blue room below.

A view of a chapel interior with blue walls — A view of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception (Photo courtesy of Mariam Chakir)

The purpose of this shrine is to heal the sick and those with disabilities. Legend has it that a man named Louis Guimont was suffering from rheumatism. When he placed three stones from the shrine's foundation, his rheumatism disappeared. The upper floor features a wall where people leave their canes and crutches, indicating that this shrine has healed them.

a picture of multiple canes and crutches — A wall where people had left their canes and crutches after healing (photo courtesy of Jeanette Landin)

a photo of a group in front of a fountain — We enjoyed our time at Ste. Anne de Beaupre! (Photo courtesy of Jeanette Landin)