- The Oratory is open from 6:30am until 9:00pm
News
Oratory StoriesDiscover the new virtual exhibition Oratory Stories, which showcases the shrine's collections and its historical, artistic, and intangible heritage.
2026 Inventory and Shop ClosuresMain Gift Shop (level 3) closed from January 27 to 29 Shop in the Concourse (level 5) and Museum (level 7) closed on January 28 and 29 Online Gift Shop closed...
A Lying-in-State for Brother AndréA Lying-in-State for Brother André Brother André died 89 years ago, on the morning of January 6, 1937. His death deeply marked history, notably because of the spectacular influx of...
The Inauguration of a Public ArtworkThe Inauguration of a Public Artwork On September 12, 2025, the Oratory inaugurated the Holy Family Plaza along with a public artwork, while also presenting a carillon concert that marked...
Reaching for the SkyReaching for the Sky The carillon of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is celebrating its 70th anniversary. This second article introduces us to the carillonneurs who have made the...
More Than Just BellsMore Than Just Bells The carillon of Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal is celebrating its 70th anniversary. In this two-part series, the archives invite you to dive into the...
The Cross, Our Only HopeThe Cross, Our Only Hope In this Jubilee Year, as the Church invites us to be pilgrims of hope, we can take up the surprising words from a 6th-century hymn:...
Spot the DifferencesSpot the Differences An aerial photograph allows us to make interesting comparisons between the site as it appears in 2025 and how it looked in June 1958. Do you recognize...
The must-sees at the Oratory
Panoramic view on MontréalWith its colorful flowers, vast green spaces, tall trees, and magnificent Garden of the Way of the Cross, the site of Saint Joseph's Oratory offers an unparalleled place of contemplation in the heart of the city, on the north slope of Mount Royal.
BasilicaThe Basilica stands out because of its stately dimensions and its location on the flank of the mountain side. Its illuminated cross is the highest point in the city.
Crypt ChurchThe Crypt Church stands out for its oak paneling, its lighting fixtures, and its ceiling, a low arch vault, which aims to create the illusion of being underground, though it is not.
Garden of the Way of the CrossThe Stations of the Cross, with its 16 stations and 42 figures measuring 3 meters tall, are nested within a lush, leafy, splendid garden, designed by landscape architect Frederick G. Todd. Art and nature combine to offer a space conducive to meditation.
Votive ChapelThe votive chapel, with its 10,000 candles and votive lamps, is at the heart of Saint Joseph's Oratory. Like a long gallery situated between the crypt and the rock of Mount Royal, this chapel is a place of devotion and prayers to Saint Joseph.
The Original ChapelThe first chapel erected on Mount Royal measured only 4.5 meters by 5.5 meters. It could be described as an oratory, that is, a place of prayer of modest size. Entering the original chapel is an invitation to discover the simplicity of the beginnings of this great sanctuary dedicated to Saint Joseph.
The Tomb of Brother AndréThe tomb of Saint Brother André, CSC, founder of the Oratory, is in a small semicircular room adjacent to the Votive Chapel. Every day, pilgrims and visitors stop here to pay their respects and pray to Saint Brother André.
Exhibit on the life of Brother AndréLocated on the 6th level, the exhibition traces various significant moments in the life of Saint Brother André. It also features three life-sized scenes, known as period rooms, as well as his heart, preserved in a reliquary that invites reflection.
Oratory's 50th Anniversary MuralThe mural pays homage to Saint Joseph: Patron of Workers, Mainstay of Families, and Protector of the Church. The artist depicted in his work personalities from the history of the shrine as well as the city of Montréal as it appeared in 1954.
Services at the Oratory
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal FOUNDED BY SAINT BROTHER ANDRÉ, IS A CATHOLIC SHRINE DEDICATED TO SAINT JOSEPH. A PLACE OF FAITH, PRAYER, HEALING AND PEACE, THE ORATORY WELCOMES PILGRIMS AND VISITORS IN A SPIRIT OF OPENNESS AND COMPASSION.
Meeting Brother André
A friend. A brother. A saint.
Brother André, born Alfred Bessette, is certainly one of the most popular Quebecers of the 20th century. Long before he was canonized in 2010, Brother André's reputation for holiness had crossed borders and left a mark on generations.
Saint Joseph
The great saint of everyday life.
Saint Joseph can be seen as the saint of everyday life, whom one turns to for both minor concerns and pivotal moments. Saint Brother André had unwavering trust in Saint Joseph, his friend and guide.