The highlights of the liturgical year allow us to immerse ourselves in the mystery of God's love and mercy, through the indescribable gift of his only Son. But it's not only during these specific times of the year that we live into this great mystery. Other outstanding events, though less frequent, still allow us to discover the gifts God gave to humanity and the bond that unites us to the Body of Christ, his Church. This is particularly the case for the ordination of deacons, priests, and bishops.

We have just barely finished contemplating the mystery of Christmas and here we are, at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, preparing for another great Church event that will have an important impact, especially on the faithful of the beautiful and extensive Quebec City region. I'm referring to the ordination of two newly nominated bishops, which will take place here in this magnificent basilica dedicated to Good Saint Anne. Bishops Gaétan Proulx and Denis Grondin will be ordained on Saturday, February 25, at 10:00 a.m. This grandiose ceremony will take place during the first week of Lent, so we will therefore have two reasons to praise God for his blessings and unfailing love.

I pray that this wonderful celebration will contribute to increasing our hope in the future of our Church. May it give rise to new religious and sacerdotal vocations, as well as to a renewed commitment of the faithful, in their parish and in their mission to evangelize the poorest among us, suffering from both material and spiritual poverty. May it help us rediscover our sense of belonging and the unique role we are called to play in the Body of Christ, as people of God redeemed by our beloved Saviour, who paid the ultimate price for our salvation.

Finally, this marvelous event goes well with the new theme that we have chosen for the Shrine for 2012: "Let's celebrate life!"

Guy Desrochers C.Ss.R.
Rector of the Shrine