Page created on : October 18, 2000
Last updated: August 6, 2004

Holly

The holly wreath is a Yuletide symbol older than the Christmas tree, and its festive association can be traced back to the early pagans. It is said that Druids worshipped it as a symbol of the sun's return.

In the Christian faith, it is believed by some that Christ's crown of thorns contained holly and that drops of blood turned the berries from white to red.

Holly is one of several horticultural symbols associated with Christmas, along with the poinsettia, mistletoe and the Christmas tree. Each of these were featured on the 1987 Christmas stamps.

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica

One of Quebec's premier tourist attractions, the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica draws more than a million visitors annually - both pilgrims and ordinary tourists like.

Originally built of wood in 1658, the Basilica is located 35 kilometres east of Quebec City on the St. Lawrence River. It was in the 1660s that pilgrims first began arriving at the basilica for miraculous healing. The first pilgrims were attracted by stories of miraculous cures and tales of an escape from a shipwreck.

Even today, pilgrims come in search for cures for debilitating deseases and afflictions, making the basilica one of the holiest shrines in the country - a veritable "Lourdes of Canada".

The church, and later basilica, at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré has been enlarged and has indergone much construction during the past 300 years. The present Basilica was begun in 1926, but wasn't fully completed until the 1970s.

This massive neo-Roman structure is in the traditional shape of a Latin cross and is richly decorated with the works of internationally-renowned artists. It also houses relics of previous churches. The Shrine Museum, known as l'Historial, exhibits 17th and 18th century religious paintings and sculpture.

J. Émile Brunet
(1893-1977)

Quebec sculptor Émile Brunet was responsible for nearly 120 works of art at the Basilica. It was his most prolific and longest commission (1948-1976).

The capitals - the uppermost member of a column - were begun in 1948 and finished in 1955. Their significance lies in the fact that they are the only historiated capitals (decorated with historical, legendary or emblematic designs) in the history of Canadian art. Brunet's images recreate scenes from the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the apostles.

Due to his traditional academic training as a sculptor, Brunet undertook only the designs, while the actual stone carving was one by others under his supervision.

Brunet's designs for the capitals, as well as the Stations of the Cross and some of the statues in the facade, were translated into stone by Maurice Lord.

Brunet brought a deep religious faith to his work. In the words of Mme Brunet, «Besides having exceptional skill, he knew how to bring matter to life and imbue it with his soul.»