Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quebec (Agenzia Fides) - From 23 March to 25 May the Ark of the New Covenant will undertake its last pilgrimage before arriving in Quebec for the International Eucharistic Congress to be held 15 to 22 June 2008. From Midland the Ark will set out for Ontario, about 1600 km away to reach Quebec on 25 May, Solemnity of Corpus Christi. The Congress organisers have invited all the local people along the way to live this unique experience.
The Ark of the New Covenant pilgrimage started on 11 May 2006 from Rome with the blessing of Pope Benedict XVI in the presence of the Bishops Quebec (see Fides 10/5/2006). This spiritual symbol of preparation for the Eucharistic Congress has since visited over 70 dioceses in Canada and is soon to make the last lap of the journey. In 64 days by car and on foot, accompanied by 12 pilgrims, to symbolise the Apostles, it will stop at various different national shrines where it will be welcomed by the local people with special prayers. The pilgrimage is open to everyone. People may join at any time, taking part in local celebrations and prayers, or united spiritually following the laps of the journey on the Internet.
The last lap, which will touch five national shrines and 10 dioceses, will start on Easter Sunday 23 March from the Shrine of the Canadian Martyrs (Midland). It will visit St-Joseph's Oratory (Montraal), the Shrine of Notre-Dame-Du-Cap (Cap-di-il-Madeleine), the Shrine of Saint-Antoine (Lac Bouchette) and Sainte-Anne-di-Beaupré (Beaupré). (RG) (Agenzia Fides 31/1/2008; righe 22, parole 292)
