Catholicism declines in Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula

The Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec, situated along the scenic Route 132 and the St. Lawrence River, serves as a visual record of the region's historical Catholic identity. Many coastal villages in the area, such as Saint-Simon and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, bear names honoring various saints.

While stone churches with high steeples remain prominent architectural features in these villages, many are no longer active. For instance, the Church of Saint-Roch in Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies, despite signage indicating it is open daily, was found locked. The local presbytery has been repurposed into a coffee and pastry shop, reflecting a decline in vibrant parochial life and visible Mass schedules in the region.