The Celtic Cross that is the logo of Irish Heritage Quebec is an image of the Celtic Cross that stands in Artillery Park on McMahon Street in Quebec City. The Cross is a gift to the people of Quebec in memory of their generosity and compassion during the period of the Great Migration of the 19th century. The Cross was donated to Irish Heritage Quebec by Irish philanthropist James Callery, founder of the Strokestown Park and National Famine Museum in County Roscommon, Ireland. A recognized sign of Irish identity, the Celtic Cross stands near what was the site of the first Irish parish in Canada. The monument is part of a larger plan to recognize and develop Irish heritage in Quebec. The project was initiated by Irish Heritage Quebec, the Commission de la Capitale nationale du Quebec, the City of Quebec and Parks Canada. |
I was there in 2000 when the cross was erected with Mr Callery. This inspired me these words..
Celtic Cross
Cross of crosses
Silhouette of mankind
With open arms
Your faded story lives on
In the mists and spindrifts
Of the Atlantic shores…
Your feet are anchored to the native ground
Your head reaching into the universe,
Your arms outstretched
To the East and to the West
And your heart glows outward
Like a light on a hidden reef…
Celtic Cross,
Your symbol, your message
Reach out across humanity
Crossing the boundaries of religions and oceans
For they are universal.
François Clavel Gay
Original Title – Croix celtique
English Adaptation – Marc Lord
Décembre 2000