The beautiful St. Anne’s Church was filled with Islanders and visitors who took part in the celebrations of St. Anne’s Sunday, a long-standing tradition on Lennox Island that has seen the Mi’kmaq community members and visitors honour St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus and patron saint of the Mi’kmaq people. St. Anne’s Sunday dates back hundreds of years to the 1600s when French missionaries came to the island introducing Catholicism to the Mi’kmaq people.
In anticipation of Mass, the Mi’kmaq community members prayed a 9-day novena to St. Anne over the nine consecutive days leading up to St. Anne’s Sunday. This year, the liturgy was celebrated with unique rituals that embraced Mi’kmaq spirituality, Catholicism, and included an exchange of shawls by Chief Darlene and Bishop Joseph, a tradition from India to show honour. At the beginning of Mass, nine candles were lit by both Chief Darlene and Bishop Joseph symbolizing Christ being the light of the world and also new birth. During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, very meaningful for many, Keptin James Bernard prayed the Our Father in his native Mi’kmaq language. After Mass, Fr. Yesudasu blessed Mi’kmaq community members and visitors with a 1st Class relic of St. Anne.
All present then moved outside to watch the colorful parade that included many floats, traditional music, and treats that were shared with children watching with their families. One of the highlights of the parade was the women’s traditional dance with dancers dressed in festive colors with shawls dancing to the lively drumming sounds.
After the parade, visitors and the Mi’kmaq community members were treated to a full lobster feast that included two lobsters, salads, and a tasty blueberry dessert. The beautiful lunch allowed for lively conversations and unity with people from near and far.
In her opening reflection at the beginning of Mass, Chief Darlene said, “So in keeping with our traditions, we come together with our guests, our families and friends to celebrate St. Ann’s Sunday…one of the longest running festivals in Epekwitk, held on the last Sunday of July for hundreds of years. Traditionally, our ancestors used this Mawi’omi as an opportunity to raise funds to maintain this church, but over time it has become much more than that. Now, it’s not only an opportunity to celebrate our faith . . .but a chance to showcase cultural pride, our accomplishments, and the deep love we have for our homeland, and for our family and friends. It is a time where stories can be heard, where culture can be admired, and where traditions can be honoured and shared.”
It is a time where stories can be heard, where culture can be admired, and where traditions can be honoured and shared. — Chief Darlene Bernard
During his homily, Bishop Joseph shared, “Today, as we celebrate Saint Anne’s feast, we also remember that in the life of the church, we celebrate the Day dedicated to grandparents and elders, honouring in this way Saint Anne and Joachim, grandparents of Jesus. Four years ago, Pope Francis introduced a world day dedicated to grandparents. In his message every year, he emphasizes the importance of growing together and passing on the values, morals, traditions, and wisdom that come with age and life experience.
Reading the history of your community, I was amazed at how many obstacles you overcame to keep your faith, traditions, and customs; that’s wisdom, and I want to thank you for that. — Bishop Joseph Dabrowski CSMA
Two years ago, Pope Francis came to visit our land and, in his penitential pilgrimage, invited all of us to walk together; he asked for forgiveness and prayed for reconciliation and peace. Reading the history of your community, I was amazed at how many obstacles you overcame to keep your faith, traditions, and customs; that’s wisdom, and I want to thank you for that. Two weeks ago, I came here and paid an unexpected visit to your community. I brought with me two friend priests, and they were amazed at how many people were visiting your place. A local artist was restoring the beautiful statues of Saint Anne. Thank you for taking care of the physical but, most importantly, spiritual care of the church and the community.
Today, as we celebrate the feast of the parents of the Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus, Saints Joachim and Anne, we are invited to reflect on their lives and how they overcame many obstacles to fulfill God’s plan.”
St. Anne’s Sunday was a memorable experience for all who took part in the festivities!
