In Ste-Anne-de-Prescott, the 24th modern-day pilgrimage in honour of Saint Anne culminated with the blessing of an ancestral barn which has recently been restored for use by the Journée Antique Day committee. Sainte Anne is widely venerated by French-Canadians, so the other parishes of the Soleil Levant Pastoral Unit were present with their banners. This included a delegation from the parishes of St-Eugène, St-Grégoire of Vankleek Hill, St-Bernardin, St-Joachim of Chute-à-Blondeau, St-Jean-Baptiste of L’Orignal and even the neighbouring parish of St-Bernard of Fournier. After the church service, there was a colourful procession through the village to the old barn, with flags and banners. A member of the Girouard family, who built the barn, was present to express gratitude for the blessing. In Ste-Anne, people appreciate heritage and are pleased the barn is now used for community events.
Less known than the great pilgrimage of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, that of Sainte-Anne-de-Prescott takes place in the intimacy of a small, welcoming village located halfway between Ottawa and Montréal. It is the only village named “Sainte-Anne” in Ontario. The first pilgrimage to this church dates back to 1895. It takes place on the Sunday closest to the feast of Saint Anne. The faithful who are devoted to this patron saint, of any language or origins, are welcome.
