Relics Tour in Winnipeg

From January 30th to February 2nd, the Archdiocese of Winnipeg had the honour of welcoming the relics of St. Jean de Brébeuf, St. Charles Garnier, St. Gabriel Lalemant, and St. Kateri Tekakwitha. These relics are currently on a tour organized by the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Ontario, an initiative that began in December and has taken them to various dioceses across Canada, “bringing the saints to the people.”

Saints Jean de Brébeuf, Charles Garnier, and Gabriel Lalemant were among the eight French missionaries who first brought the Gospel to Canada. St. Kateri Tekakwitha holds the distinction of being the first Indigenous saint of both Canada and the United States. All four lived lives marked by a deep love for God and unwavering faith. As is well known, St. Jean de Brébeuf and his companions were martyred for their beliefs.

The faithful in the Archdiocese of Winnipeg had two opportunities to venerate these relics. The first was at St. Jean Brebeuf Parish on Thursday, January 30th, where the parish community and students of St. John Brebeuf School celebrated Mass, followed by a period of public veneration. The second opportunity was on Sunday, February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, at St. Ignatius Parish, the Jesuit parish in Winnipeg. The relics were displayed during the 11:00 am Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Gagnon alongside members of the Winnipeg Jesuit Community and Fr. Edmund, the vocations director for the Jesuits in Canada.

After the Mass at St. Ignatius Parish, there was time for the faithful to come and venerate the relics and pray with these great saints.

Thank you to the Martyr’s Shrine for their willingness to “bring the saints to us” during this Holy Year of Jubilee and for this great opportunity.