85th Shrine Sunday happens in August

    The local Shrine to St. Francis of Assissi annually welcomes pilgrims from many parts of Canada and beyond.
    This country church, built in 1865 by local Irish settlers from the area, was known as St. Joseph until 1923, when it was rededicated to St. Francis of Assissi Shrine.
    Preparations are underway to welcome the many travelers by the parish of St. Thomas, Canterbury, N.B., who maintain the church.
    A pilgrimage walk is planned starting at St. Clements at McAdam, N.B. at 7 a.m. on Aug. 9. The old railroad bed to Canterbury serves as the pilgrim trail just as it did in the 1930’s and ‘40’s. For more information or to register, contact Tera at 1-506-472-0694 (teraval@gmail.com).
    Parking spots are available and the facilities required for a large number of visitors are available for this special day only.
    On Aug. 10, the outdoor service begins at 11 a.m. with Mass; Knights of Columbus from various chapters attend to provide the guard of honor for the procession.
    Bishop Robert Harris of the Diocese of St. John will celebrate the Mass with concelebrant Rev. Brian Wetmore, who is the present pastor of the original St. Agnes Parish; the mother church with St. Thomas and the shrine being the surviving missions. Father Wetmore is also parish priest of Sts. Simon and Jude church at Nackawic, N.B. He can be reached at 575-2177 or fax 575-0009 for more information.
    To reach the shrine, take turn-off 212 at Meductic from the TCH. Turn south onto route 122 and follow it to Canterbury. Follow direction signs set up from Canterbury to the shrine site, at Upper Skiff Lake Rd.
    Come early and bring a lawnchair.