The men and women of the Diocese of Sainte-Anne are united in prayer with the monks of Val Notre-Dame Abbey in a very special way, since their bishop emeritus, Mgr Yvon Joseph Moreau, has returned to monastic life. It is because they feel in communion of thought and praise with him and his brothers at the monastery that the idea of spiritually twinning the diocese of Sainte-Anne with Val Notre-Dame Abbey germinated in the heart of our bishop, Mgr Pierre Goudreault. It's an innovative project, full of great hope.

The best image to describe this pairing is that of Moses praying, arms raised, at the battle of Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-13). When he lowered his arms, the Israelites lost, and when he kept them raised, they won... Aaron and Hur then helped Moses by supporting his arms. And the Israelites won, supported by Moses' prayer.

Our Church is engaged in a real spiritual battle, and only prayer will ensure victory. Our brothers at Val Notre-Dame Abbey pray day and night like Moses. Their prayer is an essential support for us. But like Moses, they need us to support their arms with our prayer...

That's why we add a short prayer for our brothers and sisters to our Sunday prayers.

The monks of Val Notre-Dame Abbey, for their part, offer the Eucharist on the first Sunday of every month for the intentions of the Church of Sainte-Anne and its pastor, Pierre.