Ark of New Covenant visits Greater Sudbury churches

 A pilgrimage of the Ark of the New Covenant, an object of religious art carrying the Blessed Sacrament, will be making its way through Sudbury Region at numerous events, on Thursday and Friday.

Rev. Jean-Louis Plouffe, Bishop of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, announced the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant is being held in conjunction  of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City in 1608 and the arrival of the Catholic faith in this part of North America.

As part of the celebrations, the Archdiocese of Quebec has been entrusted with the celebration of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress from June 15-22, 2008.

In preparation for this gathering, several events are being planned for this region, the first being the pilgrimage of the Ark of the New Covenant throughout northeastern Ontario.

Special liturgies have been organized by parishes and where possible, by schools to welcome the Ark and to gather in prayer by celebrating Eucharist or by spending an hour before the Blessed Sacrament.

Four local parishes will be holding evening Mass followed by an all-night prayer vigil.

Everyone is welcome to attend and pray in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

On Thursday, the covenant will be celebrated with a holy hour from 10-11 am at Notre Dame de la Riviere Church in Wahnapitae. That will be followed by a holy hour from 1-2 pm at St. Kevin Church in Val Therese. Another ceremony will take place from 3-4 pm at St. Jacques Church in Hanmer and then an all-night vigil will take place starting at 7 pm at Ste. Anne des Pins Church on Beech Street in Sudbury.

On Friday a holy hour will be held from 10-11 am at St. Pius X Church in Lively. From 1-2 pm, there will he a sacrament at St. Joseph Church in Chelmsford. From 3-4 pm, there will be a holy hour at St. Alexander Church in Chelmsford. An all-night vigil English mass will be held at Our Lady of Hope on Brennan Road in Sudbury starting at 7 pm.

Phone the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie  at 674-2727 for more information.