Bon Fèt La Chandeleur!

On February 2^nd you may have celebrated Candlemass , the feast of the Prurification of Mary, or perhaps Ground Hog’s Day. Here in Gros Morne on February 2^nd we celebrate the Feast of Notre Dame la Chandeleur, the parish patronal feast. The feast runs for nine days with a novena to Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Light. Every night for over a week you would hear singing coming from the church until about 11pm. On Thursday, February 2^nd, three masses were celebrated; pilgrims & parishioners filled the church to over flowing for each.

The gate to the church courtyard

The feast spilled beyond the church to encompass the entire community. People return to Gros Morne for the feast, making it a time of “home coming”. Pilgrims from the surrounding areas also come to town for the feast. Tents sprouted up alongside the road and in the church courtyard to accommodate the many visitors.  Vendors also flocked to Gros Morne for the feast, so the market was greatly expanded this past week. Over the nine days there were many “special events”.  A soccer tournament was played over the course of a few afternoons which included teams as far away as Cap-Haitien. One evening a concert was held featuring a professional Haitian band.  Even the street lights were left on Thursday night to light our way as we walked home after the 6pm mass!

street vendors in Gros Morne

May ManMan Mari continue to shine her light on the people of Gros Morne.