Saint Joseph's Oratory on Mount Royal in Montreal

 

Perched on top of Mount Royal and overlooking Montreal, Saint Joseph's Oratory is the tallest church in Canada and one of the largest domed structures in the world. Founded in 1904 by Brother André Bessette, a significant figure of the Catholic Church and among French-Canadians, he is credited with thousands of reported healings associated with his pious devotion to Saint Joseph. With its monumental scale, Italian-Renaissance style facade and contrasting Art Deco interior, the Oratory is recognizable not just in Montreal but around the world, attracting more than 2 million visitors and pilgrims to its steps each year.

When the dome of the Oratory was being designed, a variety of models were considered, including the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, but the dome that was finally built more closely resembles that of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, with its double-shelled structure, composed of an inner dome and an outer dome with a space between the two. The product of numerous architects and thousands of workers in a process spanning six decades, Saint Joseph's includes a small original chapel where Brother André used to live, an impressive light-lit votive chapel, Crypt Church, and Basilica that can accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers. Its magnificent organs and its carillon composed of 56 bells, bears the signature of German organ maker Rudolf von Beckerath and gives audible testament to the world's great composers. 

The Oratory Museum is dedicated mainly to sacred art. Renowned for its exceptional collection of crèches of the world, the museum displays works of religious, historical, and artistic heritage from Québec and abroad. The outdoor Garden of the Way of the Cross is one of Saint Joseph's Oratory's best kept secrets. Located on the east side of the Basilica, the garden shelters the Way of the Cross made over a dozen towering sculptures, which are scattered throughout an artfully landscaped terrain. Led on a private guided tour with Nora, we were introduced to more than one hundred years of history, culture and development of St Joseph's Oratory, a landmark of Montreal and jewel of the Québec and Canadian Heritage. Merveilleux.

Monumental bronze sculpture 'Angels Unaware' depicts depicts children, women and men 

of different origins and times, piled up on a boat and refers to the duty of hospitality 

and solidarity of every human being 

Stained glass windows 'Flight into Egypt' by Auguste Laboure depicts the story of 

Joseph, Mary and Jesus who in times of trouble found refuge in Egypt

The wooden chapel of brother Andrée was built in 1904, where he lived on the 2nd floor

Alfred Bessette, known as Brother André since his canonization as Saint André of Montreal, was 

credited with thousands of reported healings associated with his pious devotion to Saint Joseph

The main Altar under the dome of Saint Joseph's Oratory

Detail of mosaics surrounding the altar

Art Deco stylized bronze bronze grillwork was designed by Robert Prévost 

and details the entrance to each of the side chapels

 One of the bas-relief Stations of the Cross by French sculptor Roger de Villiers 

Reflection of stained glass windows

The Votive Chapel with its wide ascending bands of red and green votives 

lead to a statue of Saint Joseph beneath an art deco blue domed ceiling

Votive candles are lit by those praying for or in memory of loved ones

Nora guided the fours of us around for over an hour, 

explaining the unique history and features of the Oratory and grounds

Statue of The Virgin Mary was installed in the stone wall of Mount Royal at St. Joseph's Oratory

The statue of Saint Joseph is located in the centre of the sanctuary of the Crypt Church 

and was carved from Carrara marble by Giacomini in 1917

The outdoor garden of the Way of the Cross is one of the Oratory's best kept secrets

www.saint-joseph.org/en