Noël au Sanctuaire

Trois-Rivières, November 21, 2023- Our Lady of the Cape Shrine invites you to take part in the many activities taking place to celebrate Christmas 2023. From Sunday, December 3 to Wednesday, January 3, come and attend our musical events, admire the decorations and nativity sets at various locations on site. Discover the works of artisans at the Christmas Market or join the many of our conferences and celebrations.

Music

For this time of year to be one of beauty and hope, several artists will be performing Christmas melodies.

  • On Saturday, December 9 at 1:30 p.m., in the Basilica, Manuel Blais (baritone), Mariève Beauchesne (soprano) and Eric Prud’Homme (tenor) will bring together three voices, accompanied by organist Jocelyn Lafond, to present “Les Classiques de Noël” in French (90 minutes without intermission; voluntary contribution).
  • On Sunday, December 10 at 2 p.m., in the Basilica, the Coro latinoamericano de Trois-Rivières, accompanied by electric guitar and piano, presents a concert of carols in Spanish entitled “Navidad con Jesus” (60 minutes; voluntary contribution).
  • On Saturday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m., in the Basilica, four string musicians invite you to enjoy a Nutcracker performance of the most beautiful Christmas carols (60 minutes; ticket available online or at the door).
  • On Saturday, December 23, at 2 p.m. in the Basilica, the Trium Choir and the Infano Children’s Choir perform a concert of traditional Christmas music in French (60 minutes; voluntary contribution).

Decorations

This year, there won’t be as many Christmas lights as usual on the Shrine site. Due to the many damaged trees – and despite the fact that the reforestation project has begun on the site – the arrangements for illuminating the gardens have been considerably reduced. But other lights, both inside and outside the Basilica, will create a sense of wonder, and accompany the large nativity scene in the Basilica.

Christmas Market

On December 9 and 10, you’re invited to the Christmas Market, organized jointly by the Maison des Grands-Parents de Trois-Rivières and Our Lady of the Cape Shrine. It’s an opportunity to discover the works of artisans from the Mauricie region and beyond and to get a taste of the holiday spirit. (See other simultaneous press release)

Conferences and celebrations

Christmas is a time of life and hope. A time to be born anew, especially if you pay attention to the nativy scenes. That’s why the Shrine is offering talks to discover how the figures in the nativity scenes can nourish our spiritual life, whether it’s Joseph (December 2), Mary (December 8) or the shepherds and angels (December 16).

Among all the celebrations taking place in the Basilica, those on Christmas Eve are particularly noteworthy.

Most of the following masses will be in French:

  • December 24 – 4 p.m. – Basilica basement: Family Christmas Mass, including children’s entertainment and a Blessing for pregnant women.
  • December 24 – 7:30 p.m. – Basilica: Christmas Mass with the Shrine’s Spanish-speaking community.
  • December 24 – 9:30 pm – Basilica: Christmas Mass with the Sanctuary Choir.
  • December 24 – Midnight – Basilica: Midnight Mass