We have been to New Brunswick, but not at Edmundston. So, when the invitation came up and just timely with our planned trip to Gaspesie, why not?
We were actually just tag-alongs as our good friend paid a visit to his classmate. On the day after we arrived, we felt honored to attend a mass specially for only the four of us, celebrated by Bishop Claude Champagne.
Sunday mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception again by Bishop Claude. Afterwards we got to meet a few Filipinos who were in the choir.
After mass and lunch, Bishop Claude took us around Edmundston, stopping by a few parishes under his Diocese.
St. Thomas de Aquinas Parish overlooking Lake Baker.
St. Hilaire Parish. This church was built through contributions from the entire village and notably from two rather unusual businessmen, Maxime Albert and Fred Levesque, who were Prohibition barons originally from Saint-Hilaire. It is said this church was frequented by the famous gangster, Al Capone.
And finally, we stopped by Hotel – Dieu de Saint-Basile. Previously a convent, then a boarding school and a hospital now it is a place for the aging population. NOTE : This historical mural is painted at the annex of the 3 story building.
Edmundston, New Brunswick – Sept 1-2, 2023
