THEMUST-SEES
Panoramic View of Montréal
With 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.
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.
The Basilica
The exterior architecture of the Basilica is in Italian Renaissance style, while its interior is decidedly avant-garde. Started in 1924, the interior was completed in 1966 according to the plans of Canadian architect Gérard Notebaert.
Crypt Church
The place where Brother André so often prayed, kneeling behind the large statue
of Saint Joseph, and which remains at the heart of the shrine to this day.
of Saint Joseph, and which remains at the heart of the shrine to this day.
The Garden of the Way of the Cross
This verdant setting showcases one of the finest jewels of Canadian religious heritage.
Votive chapel
The Votive Chapel is at the heart of the Oratory site. This long Art Deco-style gallery accommodates 10,000 lamps and votive candles.
The Original Chapel
In the summer of 1904, Brother André began the construction of an oratory to pray to Saint Joseph.
Tomb of Saint Brother André
The black granite tomb of Saint Brother André, CSC, founder of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, who passed away on January 6, 1937, is located 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.
The fresco above the tomb is created by the artist Henri Charlier and depicts the instruments of Christ’s Passion. The inscription “Pauper, servus et humilis”; “Poor, obedient, humble”; –
describes the main characteristics of the religious man’s holiness.
The bronze bust, signed by sculptor Jose Meissner (Majzner), portrays the features of Brother André who passed away at the age of 91.
Saint Brother André.
The fresco above the tomb is created by the artist Henri Charlier and depicts the instruments of Christ’s Passion. The inscription “Pauper, servus et humilis”; “Poor, obedient, humble”; –
describes the main characteristics of the religious man’s holiness.
The bronze bust, signed by sculptor Jose Meissner (Majzner), portrays the features of Brother André who passed away at the age of 91.
The exhibition on the life of Saint Brother André featuring the presentation of the founder of the Oratory's heart.
Installed on level 4, the exhibition retraces various significant moments in the life of Brother André.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory 50 th
Anniversary Mural
Anniversary Mural
The mural commemorating the 50 th anniversary of the Oratory pays homage to Saint Joseph: Patron of Workers, Mainstay of Families, and Protector of the Church. Canon Paul Pruvost depicted in his work personalities from the history of the shrine as well as the city of Montréal as it appeared in 1954.
The coats of arms of the provinces of Canada serve as a reminder that the country is entrusted to the patronage of Saint Joseph. We can observe the mural in the room at the back of the Crypt Church, on the staircase leading
to the Concourse.
The coats of arms of the provinces of Canada serve as a reminder that the country is entrusted to the patronage of Saint Joseph. We can observe the mural in the room at the back of the Crypt Church, on the staircase leading
to the Concourse.