Pilgrimages to Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel: interview with Sister Patricia Simpson

Pilgrimages to Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel: interview with Sister Patricia Simpson

Sister Patricia Simpson presents the oldest object in the chapel, the statuette of Notre Dame de Bon Secours. Since 1655, Marguerite Bourgeoys has wanted to build a chapel. But, upon their arrival, the Sulpicians suspend the construction project. Yet, in 1655, Marguerite has already collected material to build the chapel. In 1658, she journeys to France to recruit companions. When she returns, she discovers that all the material has disappeared. Before travelling back to France in 1670, she arranges to have a small building erected on this spot.
During her visit to France, Marguerite meets with the Baron de Fancamp who had participated in the founding of Ville-Marie. She asks him for something for the chapel that she is still planning to build. He offers her this statuette of Our Lady which is more than 100 years old. Both the statuette and the oak tree from which it was carved were associated with miracles. It is a very small statue which is kept in a reliquary.
Marguerite returns to Ville-Marie with the statue in 1672. At first it is kept by the Congregation and then put on display in a small wooden chapel. When Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is completed in the 1670’s, the statue is given a place of honour by the Community.
In 1754, the chapel burns down, but the statue is spared. It is kept temporarily in Notre-Dame Church until the chapel is rebuilt. At the end of the 1830’s the statue is stolen and is found only many years later, in an attic of the Congregation.
The statuette is kept in the Chapel near the tomb of Marguerite Bourgeoys. (When the tomb was located in the Mother House of the Congregation, prior to 2005, the statuette was taken to the Chapel each year for the devotions in honour of the Virgin Mary during the month of May.) Pilgrimages to Bon Secours Chapel begin in the 17th century. May devotions in honour of Our Lady begin to take place in Montreal in the 19th century when a number of people start to come together and recite the rosary every evening followed by Benediction. For centuries, the Sisters of the Congregation have gone to the Chapel every May 24th.