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Blog post by Augustin Hamilton (Quebec Life Coalition) — Photo: Renouveau du Québec/Instagram

The Renouveau du Québec initiative, which was launched in spring, has recently surpassed the symbolic milestone of 100 days and will soon reach 200 days. Set to last a total of 1,000 days, the initiative invites people of all ages to pray the rosary daily and gather every Tuesday to recite the Marian prayer.

According to the Diocese of Montreal’s website, the initiative was launched by Cyril Azzi, who felt called to start a prayer movement for the renewal of faith in Québec: 

"During Holy Week, I was in Abitibi-Témiscamingue for a temporary job. It was during the Easter Vigil, at the Mass celebrated at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Rouyn-Noranda, that I felt a strong calling in my heart to undertake this initiative and dedicate it to the renewal of faith in Québec."

Cyril Azzi modeled this initiative after a movement he participated in to renew faith in Montréal during the COVID-19 pandemic:

"However, this inspiration has a precedent. During the pandemic, we undertook a similar initiative. What started as a few days of praying the rosary, so that a formation event for young adults would be fruitful, evolved into daily rosary prayers for a renewal of faith in Montréal. Although it wasn’t part of our original plan, we persevered day after day until we reached the 1,000th day.”

Every Tuesday, young Catholics gather at St. Joseph’s Oratory to pray the rosary together. Week after week, the group has grown, bringing together young people who want to see the flame of faith reignited in Quebec:

"I believe this enthusiasm stems first and foremost from a flame that was already burning in the hearts of many young people. Many had long hoped to see a revival of faith in Quebec, but wondered what they could do and if others felt the same way.

Renouveau du Québec simply wanted to bring together people with this shared desire. By suggesting something as simple as gathering to pray the rosary, the initiative allowed young people who felt alone to meet one another, encourage one another, and move forward together. Many told us that they had been praying for a long time for such an initiative. Reflecting on this, we believe that the Holy Spirit was already preparing people’s hearts and simply enabled us to come together. "

Several other initiatives have now emerged, including one in Québec City and soon, one in Trois-Rivières. Cyril Azzi hopes that rosary communities will spring up throughout Québec and that a true network of young Catholics will develop in the province.

Indeed, let us hope that this wonderful initiative contributes to renewing faith in Québec, which is so badly needed!

Those interested in joining the Renouveau du Québec initiative at Saint Joseph’s Oratory can meet the group for the rosary at 8:30 p.m. after the 7:30 p.m. Mass on Tuesdays. The group meets near the statue of the boat. Follow the Renouveau du Québec Instagram page for more information.