
This past Wednesday, an extraordinary event brought thousands of faithful together to honour the major relics of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Jean de Brébeuf and the first Canadian Jesuit Martyrs. The powerful display included the skull of St. Jean de Brébeuf and bones of Sts. Charles Garnier and Gabriel Lalemant. Among the pilgrims who gathered to pray and reflect were many parishioners from St. Vital’s Parish, who were deeply moved by the spiritual significance.
The relic tour offered a profoundly prayerful experience. Multiple confession stations were set up, allowing attendees to reconcile and prepare their hearts for the sacred time of veneration. As faithful Catholics approached the relics, a quiet reverence filled the space. The opportunity to connect tangibly with the lives of these courageous saints—who gave their lives to God—touched everyone present.
The event culminated in a beautiful Mass, celebrated with great solemnity and joy. As the liturgy drew to a close, the congregation was treated to Canada’s first Christmas carol, the "Huron Carol," a hymn penned by St. Jean de Brébeuf himself. Written in the native language of the Huron/Wendat people, the song’s original title, Jesous Ahatonhia (Jesus, he is born), carries a profound message of the Incarnation shared in the cultural context of those to whom St. Jean ministered.
We feel so blessed to be part of a universal Church that celebrates and honours the saints who have gone before us. May the example of St. Kateri Tekakwitha and the Canadian Jesuit Martyrs continue to guide and strengthen us in our faith journey.
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Have a story or reflection about this special event? Share it with us by emailing st.vital.parish.beaumont@gmail.com We’d love to hear how the lives of these saints have inspired you.
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