Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is recognized as one of the foremost sanctuaries in the world visited by people seeking contemplation and spiritual renewal. It also attracts tourists who wish to see this architectural wonder and enjoy the spectacular view. Western Christianity has a number of such sites but only three in the hearts of a major cities;
Saint Peter’s basilica in Rome, the Sacré Coeur in Paris, and Saint Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal.

 

Why build an oratory? The idea came to Brother André, a simple porter at College Notre-Dame, who wished to create a small shrine to Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary, to whom he was especially devoted. Despite the grandeur of the Basilica that now stands on Mount Royal, you can still find within its walls some of the intimacy that Brother André wished his visitors to experience. It is here that gatherings of pilgrims are held. In the course of its history, the Basilica has been visited a number of major figures: Pope John Paul II in 1984, Mother Teresa in 1988, the Dalai Lama in 1993, and the relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux in 2001. The Basilica regularly hosts large diocesan assemblies and prayer services for peace.

 

The basilica can seat up to 2,200 people. Sunday 11 a.m. services usually feature the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal and the Beckerath great organ. The purity of its architectural lines and the refinement of its decorations make the basilica a place of prayer, peace and contemplation for believe and all people searching for meaning in their lives.