Dear friends of the Oratory,
It is now more than a century since St. Joseph’s Oratory began to beat in the heart of Montreal and of the northern part of this continent. Since its beginning, the ambitious project of Brother André has consisted in making this unique place an open gathering spot dedicated to the spiritual well-being of visitors. Today, the Oratory figures among the principal attractions of Montreal and draws crowds of visitors from all corners of the earth. This is a point of pride which we all share, and which attests marvelously both to our collective heritage and to the capacity we have to work together to bring about beautiful and great projects.
The fundraising campaign now underway includes four elements: the first is directed at the general public and has been baptized The Great Bee, the second reaches out to the business world, the third focuses on government contributions and the fourth is oriented towards religious communities. The funds gathered will allow us to expand and to adapt our visitor reception infrastructures better in order to respond to the growing needs of visitors and pilgrims to the Oratory.
An undertaking as large as this demands financial support, not only from government and religious communities but also from generous corporate and individual donors. Thanks to them and to the numerous volunteers and business people who support us, we are in a position to provide the Oratory with a more welcome rejuvenated appearance. At this point we have received nearly $32 million dollars of which $8 million have been invested by St. Joseph’s Oratory. The total cost of the project will come to $75 million.
On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Directors and of the personnel of the Foundation, I wish to thank you for this invaluable assistance. Believe me, it is much appreciated!
Louis Fortier
President
St. Joseph’s Oratory Foundation
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