SAINT JOSEPH- THE GREAT SAINT OF EVERYDAY LIFE
Saint Joseph can be seen as the saint of everyday life, to whom one turns for help with both minor worries and at life-defining moments. Saint Brother André had boundless trust in Saint Joseph, his friend and guide. His dream was to build on Mount Royal a chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph — an oratory for prayer to him. Crowds soon flocked to the place.
Following Brother André’s recommendation, the great saint is invoked here because, according to him, “He lets no one fall by the wayside.” Traditionally, one confides to the care of Saint Joseph issues related to family, work, health, death and material needs. Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, founded in 1904, is the largest shrine in the world dedicated to him.
SAINT BROTHER ANDRÉ-A FRIEND. A BROTHER. A SAINT
Known as the “Miracle Man of Montréal,” Saint André is credited with thousands of miraculous healings. Brother André, born Alfred Bessette, surely is one of the most popular Quebecois of the 20th century. Even before he was canonized in 2010, his reputation for holiness crossed frontiers and influenced generations of people.
At first assigned to be doorkeeper at Collège Notre-Dame, he was then named caretaker at that house of prayer which he shepherded into existence on Mount Royal. The religious brother welcomed thousands of distressed people or those who were looking for a ray of hope. He listened to them and recommended that they pray to Saint Joseph in whom he had full confidence. Any number of miraculous healings took place there and hearts turned toward God. Today, Saint Brother André continues to be an inspiration and a friend for women and men of any religious practice.
LIGHT A VOTIVE CANDLE
Lighting a votive candle is a way to extend our prayer, or to make us closer and more in solidarity with the person for whom we are praying.
THE MUSEUM
Saint Joseph’s Oratory Museum is principally dedicated to sacred art.
It offers a treasure of religious, historical and artistic heritage from Quebec and abroad.
Gardens and Nature
GARDEN OF THE WAY OF THE CROSS
The Stations of the Cross, located to the east of the Basilica, are nestled within a lush, leafy garden, designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick G. Todd.
The sculptor Louis Parent has designed the statues using clean, modern shapes, in his unique style which fits right in with the natural environment.
Art and nature combine to foster a space conducive to meditation.
PÈRE-LOUIS-TREMPE NATURAL RESERVE
Composed of wooded areas located on the south-eastern edge of the Oratory, this reserve preserves the integrity and natural character of this wooded area and maintains the biological diversity of the environment.
The gift shop offers a wide variety of religious articles and souvenirs related to the Oratory. The Sainte-Fringale Cafeteria offers a wide range of tasty dishes to Oratory visitors, as well as an exceptional view on the City’s North side.
The site of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is suitable for people whose mobility may be limited in some way. The places of worship and of recollection, service pavilions, museum and permanent display on Saint André, meeting rooms and the Jean XXIII lodging pavilion have facilities adapted for guests using wheelchairs.
Two elevators provide easy access to all levels, from the Crypt Church to the basilica.
Spaces are reserved for holders of disabled parking stickers.
TripAdvisor Testimonials
AndyBaha “We walked here from Mont Royal. It is a long trek made a bit longer by the building works. But so glad we made the effort. The whole site is very impressive. The Basilica is a complete contrast to Notre Dame in that it has a modern feel, but the scale of the building leaves a lasting impression.”
SonnySY “Beautiful solemn place not to be missed while in Montreal. There are at least 5 floors to explore inside the premises plus a breathtaking view outside the oratory. Lots of people hang out to view the fantastic sunset”
Christina “Massive in size is an understatement. So many levels to see. The church, the statues, the history, the hall of candles for prayer.. the tomb. The inner rock wall as well as the original church. Glad we had a chance to visit here. Beautiful place and worth a visit if you are visiting Montreal.”