THE IMPORTANT PLACE OF RELIGION AT THE TIME
A the time, the Catholic religion was an integral part of the lives of maple producers. In times of economic crisis, unforeseen circumstances of bad harvest, this postwar generation, with its unshakable faith, turned to Providence.
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Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, annual pilgrimages to Sainte-Anne de Stukely, Sunday rest, blessing of the maple trees each spring... the producers didn't lack opportunities to seek help during difficult times or to thank Providence.
RULE OVER US AND BE THE KING LOVED AND RESPECTED IN OUR “SUGAR SHACKS.” WE PROMISE TO EXPOSE YOUR IMAGE SO OUR LABOURS, OUR RECREATIONS, AND ALL
“SUGAR PARTIES” ARE UNDER YOUR PROTECTION AND SO THE CHRISTIAN SPIRIT WILL ALWAYS PRESIDE.”
Extract from the act of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
June 1934
L'Abeille et l'Érable
In 1934, the Producteurs de sucre d’érable de Québec asked a priest friend for a consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to obtain protection during this time of economic crisis. This recognition was published in L’Abeille et l’Érable periodical in June every year until 1970, so all producers can recite it as a family.
SAINTE-ANNE DE STUKELY
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NOTRE-DAME DES ÉRABLES
In the 1950s came the idea that sugar producers could have a Madonna to whom they could pray. To obtain such an indulgenced invocation, it was necessary, after obtaining the approval of Mgr. Maurice Roy, Archbishop of Quebec, to be recognized by the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Pius XII. Cardinal Paul-Émile Léger made that request at an audience with the Pope on November 11, 1957. The invocation received 300 days of indulgence.
The statue of Notre-Dame des Érables carved in marble from Italy by sculptor Albert Chartier was blessed at the church of Lévis. Nine-inch tall reproductions were distributed to all members of the Cooperative.
of Notre-Dame des Érables Statues August 15, 1958 ©Citadelle, Archives, Maple Syrup Producers’ Cooperative
of the Notre-Dame des Érables statues by father Alphonse Guy, pastor of Notre-Dame de Fatima August 15, 1958 ©Citadelle, Archives, Maple Syrup Producers’ Cooperative
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