Our transformation as an Archdiocese has also been reflected in the real-life journeys of the faithful. Whether by snowshoe or ski, on foot or on horseback, via train or automobile, missionary priests, brothers and sisters have traveled over the century to the farthest reaches of the Archdiocese, bringing the Word of God and the comfort of the Church with them.

In contemporary times, our priests and parishioners have also traveled abroad, serving the poor in the name of Christ. One such case is of Fr. Denis Hebert who in 1969 was appointed to a Parish in Lima, Peru. His mission in Lima was to develop a program a pastoral program in the “Christ the Light of the World” parish and to strengthen the Christian communities in the area. The legacy of his work in Nicaragua is safeguarded through a non-profit charitable society, Roots of Change, which was set-up in 2007.

At home, the Archdiocese is taking the first steps toward a twinning arrangement with the northern Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith.

Reconciliation at Lac. Ste. Anne, ca. 1960. Archdiocese Archives Photograph Collection ARCAE-P-789.

At the same time, when it comes to vocations, we have become a mission diocese ourselves, benefiting from the service of priests who come from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America to work as pastors in our parishes.

Pilgrims too have journeyed to sacred places in the Archdiocese, seeking to be transformed by the special graces of a personal encounter with Christ. Every July, thousands of First Nations Catholics gather on the shores of Lac Ste. Anne for an annual pilgrimage. The first of two pilgrimages took place on June 6, 1889 followed shortly by the second pilgrimage which occurred on July 26, on the Feast of St. Anne, which has continued to this day. The pilgrimage, a time of reunion, renewal and healing, has become one of the largest annual gatherings of First Nations people in Canada.

In August, thousands take part in the annual pilgrimage to Skaro, where Polish settlers in 1919 built a replica of the grotto at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Construction of the grotto began on June 5, 1919 and was completed at the beginning of August. The first pilgrimage took place that year from the 14^th-15^th of August, and has continued to this day, attracting pilgrims from all over and of all nationalities.