Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

After breakfast, we took a short drive to a beautiful Basilica. This basilica's origin is quite interesting. During a flood a few hundred years ago, a few fishermen in a boat were drifting in the dangerous waters, hoping for a sign of rescue. The men soon realized that no human source of rescue was near, and prayed to St. Anne, the mother of Mary (the mother of God). The men promised St. Anne to build a parish here in her name to thank you for saving them. By the grace of God and St. Anne, the flood ceased, and a small chapel was built in her name. As time passed, the population grew, and so did the church.

Did you know? The difference between a Basilica and Cathedral is quite significant in the Roman Catholic Church as well as other Christian denominations. A cathedral is a church that hosts the seat of a bishop. Yet, a basilica is more of a historic site of importance to the Church.