Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ontario (Agenzia Fides) - Easter Sunday, March 23 marks the beginning of the last stretch in the pilgrimage, which starts in Midland (Ontario). The Ark will travel some 16,000 kilometers before arriving in Quebec City on May 25, Feast of Corpus Christi. The Ark will be present in the celebration of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress, that will take place in Quebec City, June 15-22.
The celebration in Midland opened with a Mass in Saint Margaret’s Church. The Ark then began its journey to the Shrine of the Canadian Martyrs (Midland, ON). The Ark was blessed there, in a ceremony presided by Bishop Peter Hundt Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto and Bishop Pierre-André Fournier, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Quebec.
During the 64-day pilgrimage, the Ark will visit 10 Canadian diocese and five national shrines. In addition to the Shrine of the Martyrs, it will also visit St-Joseph's Oratory (Montreal), the Shrine of Notre-Dame-Du-Cap (Cap-di-il-Madeleine), the Shrine of Saint-Antoine (Lac Bouchette) and Sainte-Anne-di-Beaupré (Beaupré). The Ark will be always accompanied by 12 pilgrims, to symbolize the Apostles. Some parts of the pilgrimage are by car, and others are made on foot. It will be welcomed by the local people with special prayers. People can spiritually follow the laps of the journey on the Internet.
This spiritual symbol of preparation for the Eucharistic Congress has visited over 70 dioceses in Canada. Its pilgrimage began on 11 May 2006 from Rome with the blessing of Pope Benedict XVI in the presence of the Bishops of Quebec (see Fides 10/5/2006). (RG) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2008; righe 22, parole 259)
