Pilgrimage to Saint Francis of Assisi Shrine

Pilgrimage to Saint Francis of Assisi Shrine Sunday at Skiff Lake (Saint John the Baptist Parish). Annual Shrine Sunday takes place on Sunday, August 9th at Skiff Lake. This year marks the 800th Anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s death and has been designated as a ‘Jubilee Year of Saint Francis’. In a letter from Bishop Riesbeck earlier this year he noted that “Long remembered as an instrument of Christ’s peace, Saint Francis continues to form disciples through his example and intercession.” The Bishop will be in attendance for the events on August 9th and will celebrate an open-air Mass beginning at 11am.

We are finalizing arrangements to provide bus transportation to the Shrine at no charge to participants. Please see the schedule below and information on what you need to know regarding the day’s event. If you are interested in attending by bus, please sign your name on the sign-up sheet in the lobby of Holy Family Church and St. Ann’s Church or contact Judy Kelly via email at office@stkateri.ca or call 506-444-6021. The deadline to reserve a seat is Sunday, July 26th.

Schedule for Sunday, August 9th

8:15am: bus leaves from Holy Family Church parking lot*
9:00am: bus leaves Wulastukw Convenient Store parking lot*
10:30am: estimated time of arrival at Saint Francis of Assisi Shrine
11am-12noon: Open-air Mass Celebrated by Bishop Riesbeck
12:15pm: Picnic Lunch: You may bring a bag lunch or there will be a canteen open for sandwiches, hot dogs, sweets, soft drinks and water.
1pm-2pm: Rosary
2pm: Healing Service with Holy Oils
3:15pm: Bus Departs after healing service

*Please note that all departure times will be as indicated in the schedule to allow for arrival time for morning Mass and the return trip home.


What you need to know/bring for the day:
● Seating: There are benches at the site but you may wish to bring your own lawn chair.
● The open-air event takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather that day. In addition to your own chair, you may want to bring an umbrella to protect from sun or rain.
● There is no fee to enter the Shrine but there will be an offertory during Mass; a kiosk selling medals, etc. and there is an opportunity to light a tea light in the small chapel on site. There is a donation box there if you wish to contribute to the support of the upkeep of the Shrine.

We invite you to join us as we unite in a spiritual journey of prayer, song and healing. All are welcome.

For driving directions to 413 Upper Skiff Lake Road: take Exit 212 at Meductic, turn on to Route 122 towards Canterbury. Take Mill Street to Upper Skiff Lake Road, follow the signs or drive on Route 122 to just past Skiff Lake, turn right onto the Upper Skiff Lake Road, follow the signs.