The Shrine to Saint Francis of Assisi welcomes home from Alberta, Rev. Murchland (Holy Cross), to celebrate his jubilee — 50 years in priesthood. He will concelebrate Mass with Rev. Godwin Kalu, administrator of the St. Agnes Parish, in addition to Sts. Simon and Jude Church, Nackawic and St. Clement, McAdam.
This year the shrine marks its 90th anniversary (1923-2013). It is internationally known with devotion at the church growing to include people from many cultures and countries. In recent years, the life-size portrait of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico, has been displayed for veneration. The early Franciscans of Mexico preserved the original image of the Virgin Mary imprinted in the cloak of Saint Juan Diego who died in 1531. She is the patron saint of all aboriginals of the Americas.
The First Nations of eastern Canada and the U. S. are well represented annually at the historic site of Upper Skiff Lake, N. B., Canada. The portrait of the Blessed Virgin is under the care of Lt. Governor Graydon Nicholas, Fredericton, N. B.
The Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the sanctuary for adoration together with the relics of St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), and of St. Clare of the Order of Poor Clares, Italy, who died in 1253. The open air Mass begins, Sunday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. under the direction of Rev. Godwin Kalu. The local chapter of the Knights of Columbus leads the opening procession in full regalia. The Holy Rosary begins at 1:30 p.m. with prayers recited in the three founding languages: Maliseet, French and English. The Sacrament of Healing follows at 2 p.m. administered by priests from the Diocese of St. John, N. B. and our visiting priest.
Throughout the day, a canteen will offer refreshments. For personal use, vials of blessed oil are available to all pilgrims after morning Mass. Ample parking and facilities are available. Everyone is welcome to join in the memorial celebrations near Canterbury, N. B.
