Marian movement launches papal visit procession

Dennis Girard hopes the Marian Devotional Movement’s prayerful Papal Visit Pilgrim Statue Procession — and a 54-day Novena launched May 31 —  will bless Pope Francis’ mission of healing and reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

Girard, co-founder of the Marian Devotional Movement (MDM), credits the power of prayer for manifesting successful, restriction-free Our Lady of the Cape Pilgrim Statue tours in Eastern, Central and Western Canada (still ongoing) in recent months.

“We are calling on all the saints and the blessed in Canada to have Our Lady of the Cape, Queen of Intercessors, to intercede on our behalf for continued reconciliation and healing for all peoples who dwell in this land,” he said. “And for wisdom, health and strength for our Holy Father Pope Francis. Finally, we’re praying for the success of the papal procession.”

The 10-destination shrine tour appropriately began at the home of Our Lady of the Cape, Canada’s National Marian Shrine in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Que., on June 22.

As of July 6, Our Lady of the Cape has also visited Assumption Cathedral in Trois-Rivières and Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa.

Girard said he is excited that he and his wife, Angelina, will be present at every destination along this journey. The open-air Mass in Edmonton, expected to draw over 65,000 attendees, will be particularly special. He said it is fitting for Our Lady of the Cape to grace this historic occasion.

“I think because the story of Our Lady of the Cape is one of hope, unity, family and confraternity, we are just really pleased that she will be the image representing Mary at the papal Mass on the world stage. We need her message of attaining increased unification through prayer throughout the world.”

All stops along this procession will follow the same itinerary. Communal Holy Rosary begins the proceedings before the celebration of Mass. Following Mass, roses are blessed in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, followed by recitation of a Marian consecration prayer. The blessed rose petals will be distributed to the attendees and each participant will be invited to place their intentions into “Mary’s Ark,” which will be transported to the papal Mass in Edmonton during Pope Francis’ tour of Canada July 24-29.

The tour will also visit the Ontario cities of Peterborough July 12, Midland July 14, Sudbury July 15 and Thunder Bay July 18, before moving on to Winnipeg July 20 and Saskatoon July 22 before the papal Mass at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium July 26.

For more information about the procession and the history of Our Lady of the Cape, visit visitationproject.org/collections/papal-visit-procession.