In 1667 the St. Francis Xavier Mission was established in La Prairie, 15km from Kahnawake today. The church has magnificent ceiling paintings depicting New Testament scenes and the Catholic tradition, among them, the apotheosis of St Francis Xavier, the author being a painter and Italian glassmaker; Guido Nincheri; dating from 1924 to 1928. King Charles X of France gave two paintings to the mission, the one of the Immaculate Conception and the one of St. Louis, King of France in prayer. There is also another large painting of St Francis Xavier dying, dating back to the early 19th century. The large crucifix hanging was a gift from the residents of Kahnawake in honor to the thirty-five of their number who died in late August 1907 during the collapse of a span of the Quebec Bridge under construction and the statue in wood of the Child Jesus in the world comes from the workshops of the Ursuline Sisters of Quebec (1671-1700). The statue of Kateri is the work of Médard Bourgault of St-Jean-Port-Joli (1941), her tomb is in marble. Kateri was declared venerable in 1943 and blessed in 1980 by Pope John Paul II. There are also other important works.
Tips
Enjoy your visit and see the small museum and discover manuscripts and indigenous ethnic objects as other interesting items.
You can also see the old rectory of origin (1720) and take a walk on the bridge along the old wall of Fort St. Louis (1725), you will have a magnificent view of the St. Lawrence and all Mission complex viewed from the rear.
