The celebrations began today in Saint-Anne de Beaupré, and will continue until Saint Anne, in nine days, the day before the arrival of Pope Francis.

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Many tourists and pilgrims went there to take part in the event, which this year will have the chance to welcome the sovereign pontiff.

Contacted by TVA Nouvelles, the rector of the basilica said he was feverish, and that he expected a lot of traffic on the day of the feast.

Recall that the pope has decided to travel to Canada to present an official apology on behalf of the Catholic Church to the First Nations survivors of residential schools.