Oratory, Montreal

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This is a monument to the faith of the Quebec people. It is a huge building built on top of a promontory north of the mountain. You will have to climb a lot of stairs! There is a garden dedicated on the top.

Comparable to the "Sacré-Coeur" of Paris, this austere gigantic oratory is the vision of a simple brother: Frère André who's heart is well guarded in the oratory. Started in 1904, finished in 1967, it is sacred to pilgrims who come Easter, climb up its hundred and more stairs on their knees to come and pray where Frère André actually performed miracles. You can visit the original chapel, the votive chapel, the crypt, the basilica and the museum, simply attend the different masses and services or check with its schedule of many concerts and cultural events such as the Christmas exhibition of over 200 nativity scenes from some 50 different countries. If you also want a chance to hear it's 56 bells ensemble, professionaly played, be outside the oratory around 12h00 or 15h00, on Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday at 12h00 and 14h30... Magnificient!

Yup, this is probably on every page about Montreal. It's very commercialized for a church, but it is stunning. The museum inside is also well worth seeing, especially if you are interested in how the Christmas story is represented in various other countries. There are also two large gift shors selling, among other things, camera batteries. Clerks in both stores were very friendly and helpful.

This absolutely stunning cathedral is a must see when you visit Montreal. Besides the beautiful architecture and great views of Montreal, you'll learn about the history of Brother Andre who performed actual, documented miracles.

Situated on top of Mount Royal, this church attracts more than 2 million visitors a year. Just as well the Basilica accommodates up to 10,000 worshippers! It is said that many of the pilgrims who visit here, climb the steps of the Oratory on their knees - such is their faith.

Don't forget to light a candel.

St. Joseph's Oratory, a huge domed church perched high on a ridge of Mont-Royal, is the largest shrine in the world dedicated to the earthly father of Jesus.

The oratory dome is one of the biggest in the world, and the church has a magnificent setting. High on the mountain beside the main church is a beautiful garden, commemorating the Passion of Christ with life-size representations of the 14 traditional Stations of the Cross.

St. Joseph's Oratory is perched high on a hill of Mont Royal and is the largest church in the world that is dedicated to Joseph. The man behind this church, is Brother Andre who realized his dream of building the church because of the generous support of the people of Montreal and because of the many miracles that reportedly occurred at the small chapel that preceded the present structure (it is still there behind the church and you can walk through and see where Brother Andre lived above the chapel),

When you visit St. Joseph's make sure you visit the side chapel which has hundreds of crutches that have been left by the healed and is beautifully aglow with candles left by the many visitors. Brother Andre's tomb is also located here.

Another interesting feaure of St. Joseph's is the more than 300 steps that lead up to the front of the church. The center staircase is designated from pilgrims who choose to climb up on their knees, pausing to pray at each step!

The Beautiful St.Josephs Oratory is a must see in Montreal perched high atop Mount Royal. Dedicated to St.Joseph and started as a chapel of St.Andre, it was constructed into a large basilica that could accommodate up to 10,000 visitors by 1967. One of the Christian world's major religious shrines, Saint Joseph's Oratory boasts a ninety-seven metre dome that makes it the second largest of its kind after Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. (Click on the Picture to See a Large Version)

Oratoire St. Joseph
It is the second largest church in the world, only afer St.Peter's Basilica in Rome (which I have also had the pleasure of seeing)
This church is somewhat less holy but taking a trek to see it and climb up its many steep steps is worth the pictures you will take. It is huge and is very visible from the UdeM campus (and only a 15 min walk from there) but can be seen coming into the city from the airport. It is a significant landmark. It is a bit touristy and has a shop and a restaurant inside it.

St.Joseph Oratory is imposing by night with its beautiful lighting and impressive, shining dome.You can also visit the 'Cross way' garden that can be found at the upper level of the Oratory.It is an area where you will find the story of Jesus and Salvation portrayed by statues.