The Newfoundland pilgrimage to Ste. Anne de Beaupre : suffering and celebration a world apart

Brown, Cheryl A. (1986) The Newfoundland pilgrimage to Ste. Anne de Beaupre : suffering and celebration a world apart. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This thesis examines the socio-cultural context of the Newfoundland Pilgrimage to Ste. Anne de Beaupré, a St. John's-based pilgrimage organization which has made annual visitations to the Québec shrine for over 25 years. -- Examined are the origins of the group, its structural organization, and development. The major symbols and rituals of the shrine are described, focussing on the Newfoundland group's emic interpretations and ritual participation. -- Pilgrimage activity in the social/secular realm of the shrine utilizes Goffman's (1959) dramaturgical frame. Special emphasis is placed on communication of social-symbolic messages within the group. -- Analysis indicates that gender and age are significant variables, and that the pilgrimage experience has particular appeal for women, especially elderly women. -- Six case studies are provided delineating pilgrims socio-psychological characteristics, motives and pilgrimage experiences. -- Symbolic analysis examines the paradoxical message of the shrine, the sanctification of suffering, examining how the Newfoundland pilgrims interpreted this message. It is revealed that through embracing this sacred message socially alienated individuals achieve self-fulfillment and dignity. -- The socio-cultural context of the shrine is compared to the socio-cultural order of Newfoundland. It is shown that in both spheres oppressed, alienated individuals and groups gain dignity through self-sacrifice.

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