Wakamne

Pope Francis blesses the water, pilgrims at Lac Ste. Anne in Canada

Pope Francis blesses the water, pilgrims at Lac Ste. Anne in Canada

Before the liturgy, making the Sign of the Cross towards the four cardinal points — according to indigenous custom — the pope blessed a bowl of the lake’s water, which was brought up to a small wooden structure, shaped like a teepee, overlooking the lake. The pope, after spending a moment in prayer sitting at the water's edge in his wheelchair, later sprinkled the crowds with the blessed water.