Saint Joseph's Oratory Is Recognized As A National Historic Monument Of Canada
News from the Shrine > Saint Joseph's Oratory is recognized as a National Historic Monument of Canada

Saint Joseph's Oratory is regognized as a National Historic Monument of Canada All of us at the Oratory are justly proud of the commemorative palque issued by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada on the occasion of the centenary of the shrine. We hope you will admire it. It is located by the entrance to the votive chapel, amid the foliage, attached to the very rock of Mount Royal, not far from the carillon. The rector of the Oratory at that time, Father Jean-Pierre aumont, CSC, accepted this mark of recognition in the name of the Oatory personnel and all the faithful pilgrims who have out the shrine over the past century. ''We are proud that our country's  government is paying tribute to the social and spiritual role which the shrine fulfills. By this token, you proclaim to all the personnel of Saint Joseph's Oratory, and the fathers of the Congregation of Holy Cross to whom this work is entrusted, that this ground dedicated to Saint Joseph is an indispensable haven of peace for our world, and the sustaining breath of our city. Rest assured, we pledge that Saint Joseph's Oratory will continue to be a shining beacon during its next one hundred years.''

Photo: Annick Robert Commemorative plaque

Photo: Annick Robert Text Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal ''A spiritual and tourist destination of international renown, Saint Joseph's Oratory originated with a small chapel built in 1904 by Brother André of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Pilgrims came in such numbers that work was begun on a massive church, which took shape between 1914 and 1966. The commanding mountain setting, sacred path and imposing dome, complemented by a Way of the Cross of exceptional artistic quality, give this pilgrimage site a physical and symbolic presence unique in Canada.''