Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of Quebec—to the glory of the Virgin Mary

A Catholic influence in North America is no better seen than at the Basilica-Cathedral Our Lady of Quebec, the active seat of the Archdiocese of Quebec. Located on this site since 1647, twice destroyed by fire, decorated with a neoclassical façade and works of art that have to be seen to believed, the cathedral is dedicated to the glory of the Virgin Mary. Francois de Laval, Quebec’s first bishop, is buried in the cathedral’s crypt. In 2013, a Vatican-sanctioned holy door was installed.

More modest, but just as important to local parishioners and visitors is Notre Dame des Victoires. Completed in 1723 and beautiful for its simplicity and accessibility, it is located in the Place Royale, in the heart of the old city. …

If you’re a planner, or just lucky enough to travel at the right time, get to Quebec City for Saint John the Baptist Day (June 24). The first French settlers celebrated the feast day of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist in the early 1600s, and although now a national holiday marked by parades, bonfires, concerts and fireworks that celebrate the French culture in Quebec, its Catholic roots are worth researching, and run deep. More recently, Pope Pius X declared Saint John the Baptist the patron saint of French Canadians in 1908.

Quebec, of course, was home to Father Francois Blanchet, the first archbishop in Oregon country.

Catholic Sentinel