Our Lady of the Cape, Religious sanctuary in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Canada
Our Lady of the Cape is a religious pilgrimage sanctuary in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec. The site features an old stone church, a newer basilica, and an outdoor pathway lined with bronze statues representing prayer mysteries.
The site began as a small parish church in the early 1800s, serving the local community on the riverbank. In 1879, an unusually solid ice bridge formed across the river, allowing stones to be carried across for a new church, an event that was seen as a sign and set the place on its path as a pilgrimage site.
Pilgrims from across Canada come here to pray before the statue of Mary and light candles as signs of devotion. Many walk the outdoor pathway on foot, pausing at each bronze station along the route.
A large part of the grounds is outdoors, so dressing for the weather is a good idea, especially during spring or fall visits. The different areas of the sanctuary, including the churches and the pathway, are easy to walk between on foot.
In 1888, three witnesses including a priest reported that the eyes of the stone statue of Mary appeared to open during a prayer ceremony. The event was never officially explained and remains one of the stories that draws visitors to the site today.
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