Journey of a Disciple #9

 

I Believe in Miracles

I believe in miracles. As I say that, my mind is drawn back to a time in Canada, when my wife and I were vacationing in Quebec City.

We stayed at the historic Frontenac Hotel on the St. Lawrence River, and we went to an antique shop in the old city. The storekeeper suggested we pay a visit to the Miracle Church on the north side of the river. It sounded interesting, so we went there. 

The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a basilica set along the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada, 30 kilometers (19 mi) northeast of Quebec City, and one of the five national shrines of Canada. It is beyond any doubt, the most beautiful church building I have ever seen, and I have been to many churches and synagogues all over the world.

The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré has been credited by the Catholic Church with many miracles of curing the sick and disabled, earning it the name of The Miracle Church.

The church was originally built in 1658 as a chapel and shrine to honor Saint Anne, the patron saint of sailors and protector from storms. The original church was destroyed by a fire in 1922. Rebuilding started in 1926, but it wasn’t completed until 1946.

My wife and I left Quebec City and crossed over the St. Lawrence River, where we started walking to reach the famed basilica we had wanted to see and spend some time in. I remember walking under a waterfall we called Sainte-Anne Falls, locally known as Chute Sainte-Anne, and along a path to the church.

We reached the beautiful basilica and were astounded at its sheer beauty—what a lovely monument to honor the Lord, our Savior. We were amazed, to say the least.

Once inside, above the votive candles, lit as prayers were offered for loved ones who were sick or disabled, hanging on the wall of the narthex which was semi-round, were crutches and other walking aids, etc. These artifacts were left at the church after the pilgrims using them had come there and had been healed. Dozens of such artifacts were hanging on the walls, symbols of the miracles of healing.

I remember thinking of the healing miracles performed by Jesus during his ministry, miracles disbelieved by many who heard of them, both then and now. I wondered at the time if my faith was enough to believe the miracles of those who had journeyed to this church on the St. Lawrence River in Canada. Even today, I wonder if my faith is sufficient to believe. I do believe in miracles, don’t I?*

*from my book, Journey of a Disciple, now in eBook and print at amazon.com

Gene Groner, author and biographer       geneallengroner@gmail.com