The History of Saint Joseph’s Oratory
1850The Bessette family moves to Farnham, Québec. Tragically, Isaac dies, crushed under an axed tree, February 20, 1855. His wife Clothilde dies on November 20, 1857.
OCTOBER 19, 1904Blessing of an oratory (i.e., a small chapel) built by Brother André, with the help of Brother Abundius, CSC, and a few lay friends.
1908Successive enlargements of the chapel in August and November
1909Construction, next to the chapel, of a wooden building housing a lunchroom, a shop offering religious objects, a waiting room, and a small room that Brother André could use as an office.
1910Chapel’s third expansion.
1912Chapel’s fourth and final expansion. Inauguration of the first residence for Holy Cross priests and brothers.
1914The authorities of the Congregation of Holy Cross approve the construction of what would become the future Basilica.
1915The construction of the crypt church begins.
1917Inauguration and blessing of the crypt church.
1918Relocation of the small chapel from its original site.
AUGUST 31, 1924Blessing of the basilica’s cornerstone before a crowd of approximately 35,000. Brother Andre celebrates the 50th Jubilee of his Final Vows in the Congregation of Holy Cross.
1926Foundation work begins.
1930Construction of the Basilica’s lower portion.
1931Temporary shutdown of construction area due to the economic crisis.
JANUARY 06, 1937Death of Brother André (born Alfred Bessette, August 9, 1845). For 6 days and nights, over 1 million people move past his open coffin.
APRIL 01, 1937Construction work for the Basilica’s upper portion resumes.
AUGUST 01, 1941Blessing of the cross crowning the basilica dome.
1946Construction of the votive chapel and the alcove for Brother André’s tomb. Inauguration and blessing in March of 1950.
1954Relocation of Brother Andre’s original chapel to a more elevated site on the mountain. November 21: celebration of the first Solemn Mass in the Basilica.
MARCH 19, 1955Elevation of the Oratory to the rank of Minor Basilica. Unveiling of the monument dedicated to Brother André. Inauguration of the carillon.
1956Official opening of the Basilica.
1960Official introduction, in Rome, of Brother André’s cause for beatification. On November 13, the blessing of the Basilica’s Beckerath organ is accomplish.
1967Completion of the Basilica’s interior.
1979Inauguration of the exterior lighting system on the occasion of the Oratory’s 75th anniversary.
1982Beatification of Brother André by Pope John Paul II in Rome.
SEPTEMBER 11th, 1984Visit of Pope John Paul II
2000Celebration of the new millennium. Installation of a new lighting system for the interior of the Basilica.
2003Unveiling of a major renovation plan for the entire property, so that it may be more accessible, more functional, safer and better suited to the needs of visitors and pilgrims.
OCTOBER 17, 2004Consecration of the Basilica by Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte opening a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal.
OCTOBER 17, 2010Canonization in Rome of Brother Andre by Pope Benedict XVI. The founder of Saint Joseph’s Oratory is officially recognized as Saint Andre Bessette.
