Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

Nestling on the Northern slope of Mount Royal in Montreal is a stunning Roman Catholic Basilica, known as Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal (or by its French name, Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont Royal). First constructed in 1904 by Brother Andre Bessette, the church is dedicated to Saint Joseph and attracts over two million pilgrims and visitors each year.

History

A small church was first constructed on the slopes of Mount Royal by Brother Andre in 1904, which was enlarged to contain 1000 worshippers in 1917. The Crypt, as this church came to be known, led to inauguration plans for the construction of a Basilica, which began in 1924 and was completed in 1967. The Basilica celebrated its centennial celebrations in 2004, with most church bells in and around Montreal sounding at the same hour as a salute to this very important building in the city's religious landscape.

Basilica's Architecture

Designed by the architects Dalbe Viau and Alphonse Venne, the Basilica is built in Italian Renaissance style. Its stunning dome is the third largest of its kind in the whole world and the church itself is the largest in Canada. The dome reaches almost 100 meters from the nave floor and is almost 40 meters in diameter. The Basilica has the capacity to hold 10,000 visitors (or 3,000 seated) and cost CA$2.3 million to construct. Visitors will be thrilled by the stained glass windows in the Basilica, which depict a number of events in Canadian history that afforded the protection of Saint Joseph.

The Crypt Church

While the main Basilica is used for worship for Sunday High Mass and other unique celebrations, the Crypt - which can hold up to 1000 people - is used on a daily basis for masses and devotions. One of the most attractive features of the Crypt Church is its collection of stunning stained glass windows, each of which represents a part of the life of Saint Joseph. Pedriau and O'Shea completed these windows in 1919.

The Votive Chapel

An interesting part of the Crypt is the Votive Chapel - an annex leading off the church which houses thousands of crutches, canes and braces left behind by worshippers who claim to have been cured by their belief in Saint Joseph and his miracles. Also on display are 10,000 vigil lamps. The Votive Chapel leads to the tomb where Brother Andre lies.

The Large Mural

Another attraction of the Basilica is the huge mural situated alongside the elevator leading up to the church. The mural, painted in 1954 by Canon Pruvost, depicts many symbols (such as the coat of arms for each Canadian province) to remind visitors that Saint Joseph is considered the patron saint of the country.

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal welcomes visitors of any religion to enjoy the serenity and spirituality of the location, high above the bustle of Montreal city. Whether visitors are coming on a specially arranged pilgrimage, or simply to enjoy the stunning architecture and stained glass windows of the Basilica, the church should definitely be part of any itinerary when visiting Montreal.

Location:
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
3800 Chemin Queen-Mary
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Phone: (514) 733-8211
Email: associes@saint-joseph.org

Click here to visit Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal official website.