Chapel Island Mission

Bridgette and Bella Googoo attended the Chapel Island Mission


There has been an annual mission on Chapel Island since 1742, making it the longest continuous mission in Canada. Father Maillard said the first mass on the island on a boulder in 1742. In the early 1750s he was able to build a chapel on the island. Everyone is welcome to attend and observe this important occasion. This year marks the 400th year of Grand Chief Membertou’s baptism, with special guest his Eminence Cardinal Quellet, special Envoy of His Holiness Pope Benedict
XVI, attending the ceremony.

The chiefs of Unama'ki are proud to host an event for the entire family on Saturday during the Chapel Island Mission. Like the Christmas Socials held each year in Membertou, the Chiefs feel this is a perfect opportunity to offer a similar type of event for the children.
This event is free for everyone! There will be bounce-o-ramas, rock climbing, a mechanical bull, a giant maze for the little ones. a dunk tank, pony rides, a horseshoe tournament, live bands and DJs! There will be prizes for kids of all ages-door prizes for everyone!! Kids can enjoy free lobster, a free BBQ and lots of popcorn, slushies and cotton candy!
The day would not be complete without a great finale-at 9:30pm there will be fireworks to be enjoyed by all. Fire works can be viewed from the main island and camp ground.

There will be a Saturday night Mass at 7pm, which will include the renewal of baptismal vows followed by a candle light procession around the exterior of the Church, during the procession of light around the church, the servers will lead, followed by a singing choir. Up on completion of the candle light procession the congregation will reenter the church for the completion of the Mass.
August 1st. The Mission continues with Baptism and Resurrection, at 10am, the Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism will take place. At 2pm, the Mass-the Celebration of the Eucharist and presided over by His Eminence Marc Cardinal Quellet, Special Envoy of His Holiness PopeBenedict XVI. The service will be co-celebrated by Bishop Brian Dunn, Bishop of Antigonish Diocese and Bishops and Priests of Atlantic Canada. This will be followed by the Feast Procession of St. Anne followed by Veneration of Relics, a supper for the Grand Council, Visiting Priests, Bishops and Cardinal Quellett. After Mass there will be a Social Gathering which will include events such as Elder's Story telling, Book Launching: Honoring 400 Years by Jaime Battisite, Drumming, Dancing, and Bingo. At 7pm Grand Council Meeting will take place.

Monday August 2nd at 10am he closing Mass for the Mission will take place.