Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre

One of the most famous Roman Catholic basilicas in Quebec is the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre.  It started as a simple shrine to Ste. Anne to provide a place of worship to the new settlers flooding the region.  During the construction, the first miracle of the church was performed.  One of the workers walked with crutches, but after placing 3 stones on the altar, he was able to walk freely again.  As news of this and other miracles spread, more and more pilgrims flowed into the region for healing.

The current basilica, after remodeling.

In 1876, the shrine was expanded to a full basilica to accomodate the mass amounts of worshippers.  This original basilica was burned down, but was compeletely rebuilt in 1926.  Ste.-Anne-de-Beaupre is still widely visited for miracles and healings and receives about half a million pilgrims each year, peaking around July 26th, the feast of St. Anne.  Pillars near the entrance of the church are covered in crutches, braces, canes, and other signs of disability that have been discarded after miracles.

Interior of the Basilica