St. Anne Shrine of Fall River

Author: Bryan Boyle

Vincent Marchildon, O.P.

Posted on by Bryan Boyle

Today marks the 49th Anniversary of the death of Very Reverend Vincent Marchildon, O.P.

Father Marchildon arrived at St. Anne’s on October 27, 1905. He served as Assistant Pastor of the parish until 1928. However, in 1923, he was excused from his parish duties to devote all his time to the apostolate of the Shrine.


In 1928 he was named as the first official director of St. Anne’s Shrine.

Father Marchildon spent over 60 years of his priestly life at St. Anne, and is known as the founder and ‘Great Apostle’ of the Shrine. An extremely holy and extraordinary man, his service and dedication to Good St. Anne, the Shrine, and its pilgrims is honored by his burial in the Dominican crypt of the shrine.

The Very Reverend Vincent Marchildon, O.P.

If you’ve the occasion to visit, please stop by the Crypt (found in the north ambulatory corridor) and offer a prayer for this wise and holy priest and apostle of our patroness.

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Photos From 125th Anniversary Mass

Posted on by Bryan Boyle

The Mass for the celebration of the dedication of St. Anne’s Shrine was held on Thursday, January 7, 2021, in the lower Shrine. The following photos were taken by Mike Borden of the Fall River Herald News.

View from statue of Good St. Anne before Mass
Celebrants and servers before Mass. L-R: Robert Bernier (crucifer), Fr. Michael Racine (concelebrant), Michael Antaya (thurifer), Fr. Edward Murphy (Chaplain), Bryan Boyle, OP KtM (acolyte)
Fr. Michael Racine and Bryan Boyle, OP, KtM (acolyte), processing in at beginning of Mass with relic of Good St. Anne
Father Edward Murphy, Shrine Chaplain, welcoming the congregation
St Anne Preservation Society Board listening at the beginning of Mass
Congregation at prayer during the Eucharistic Prayer
Minor Elevation at end of the Canon of the Mass

This was a beautiful anniversary celebration, befitting the dedication of the current conservators of this place of healing, and in grateful memory of those whose sacrifices built this landmark as a testament to their faith.

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