The Redemptorist community of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré joyfully celebrated the Holy Eucharist on Sunday, July 5, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the consecration of the Basilica and Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, which took place on July 4, 1976.

A special highlight of the celebration was the solemn procession with the basilica's tintinnabulum—the ornate ceremonial bell that, together with the ombrellino (papal umbrella), is bestowed by the Holy Father upon churches elevated to the dignity of a minor basilica. Carried during liturgical processions, the tintinnabulum signifies the basilica's special communion with the Pope and the universal Church.

The consecration of the present Basilica on July 4, 1976, marked the liturgical completion of an extraordinary reconstruction project spanning more than five decades following the devastating fire that destroyed the previous basilica in 1922. Although the new basilica first welcomed pilgrims in 1934 and its exterior was completed in 1962 with the installation of its twin spires, the interior decoration—including its magnificent vault mosaics—was not fully completed until 1976, making it ready for its solemn dedication.

The historic consecration was presided over by Cardinal Maurice Roy, Archbishop of Québec, who consecrated the High Altar, while twelve bishops from across Québec consecrated the side altars in the ambulatory. Following the traditional Pontifical Rite of Dedication of a Basilica, the liturgy included the sprinkling of holy water, the anointing of the basilica's pillars with Sacred Chrism, and the lighting of the consecration candles that continue to surround the interior of the basilica today.

As custodians of the Shrine since 1878, the Redemptorists welcomed thousands of pilgrims, clergy, religious, and dignitaries from across North America for this historic occasion. The year 1976 also held special significance as it marked the centenary of the proclamation of Saint Anne as the civil and ecclesiastical patroness of the Province of Québec by Pope Pius IX on May 7, 1876.

Fifty years later, we give thanks for this sacred house of prayer, for the generations of pilgrims who have sought the intercession of Good Saint Anne, and for the enduring mission of the Shrine to proclaim hope, healing, and the Gospel to all who come in faith.