There still appears to be space for large outdoor collective worship demonstrations in Quebec despite the passage of Bill 9 by the Quebec provincial government back on April 2.

This law, introduced to bolster state secularism, generally forbids collective prayer and other religious practices in the civil square. Municipalities have the power to consider exceptions to this rule.

Montreal Archbishop Christian Lépine told The Catholic Register he would learn if longstanding traditions could continue amid this new landscape if his application to host the annual outdoor Corpus Christi (Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ) Eucharistic candlelit procession on June 4 received the green light.

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Permission has indeed been granted. Following 7:30 p.m. Mass at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, Montreal Catholics will proceed together through the streets of the city to St. Patrick’s Basilica to celebrate the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Importantly, there is no recitation of prayers during the actual march.

“As in previous years, the (Montréal police) has been informed and will accompany the procession to help ensure the safe and orderly movement of participants,” said Maribel Mayorga, the diocesan director of communications. “We anticipate that approximately 2,000 people will take part in this public celebration of faith." 

Lépine has highlighted the spiritual and cultural importance of the Corpus Christi procession for the faithful, said Mayorga.

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“We are grateful that the celebration and procession may continue as part of the city’s longstanding religious heritage.”

Lépine noted this tradition has been celebrated for more than 25 years and there has “never been a problem.” He also expressed hope that the procession would be sanctioned because of the archdiocese’s longstanding positive relationship with local law enforcement.

“Actually, the police are even glad of being there for us when we do processions,” he said.

In another notable development, despite being denied an event permit, Montreal’s Portuguese Catholic community continued with its annual Santo Cristo procession through Plateau-Mont-Royal on May 17, the Fifth Sunday of Easter.

This tradition venerating Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres — Lord Holy Christ of the Miracles — originated in the Azores, Portugal, 326 years ago, in 1700. It is a silent parade of gratitude accompanied by philharmonic bands. Akin to the Corpus Christ procession, the Santo Cristo march features no audible prayers or religious chants. The Plateau-Mont-Royal police approved the procession and agreed to provide accompaniment on May 13. Borough mayor Cathy Wong confirmed the positive news in a May 16 social media post.

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“For 60 years, the procession has brought together families, entire generations, neighbours of the Plateau,” wrote Wong. “Organized around the Santa Cruz Mission, it brings together nearly 2,000 people each year in a spirit of respect and peace. The procession is not a problem to deal with. It's a tradition to be accompanied with sensitivity and respect.”          

Procession organizer Emanuel Linhares told local media that work needs to be done over the coming year to crystallize the rules on religious and cultural processions. He noted how interpretations across boroughs are inconsistent and that unambiguous city-wide directives are needed.