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Decoration of the basilica's interior was largely the work of sculptor Henri Charlier, who produced the high altar, the crucifix and the twelve apostles between 1955 and 1959. The majestic high altar features a beautiful from the depiction of the Christ awakening on the morning of the Resurrection. The crucifix behind the high altar stands in front of an imposing mosaic, while the twelve apostles face one another on either side of the basilica’s transept.
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Apostles
Photo credit: Claude Leclerc |
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The Crucifix
Photo credit : Nathalie Dumas |
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High altar
Photos credit: Arthur Boismenu |
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Pilgrims are invited to mediate on the highly expressive Way of the Cross around the nave's perimeter. Each scene is imbued with sadness and truth, the various stations remind us of Christ’s final days. The Way of the Cross was designed by Roger de Villiers between 1957 and 1959.
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Way of the Cross
Photo credit: Arthur Boismenu |
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The most richly decorated part of the basilica is undoubtedly the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, located at the back of the apse behind the large monumental grille. Its green marble columns come from Vermont, USA, and its semicircular ceiling is covered in gold leaf.
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Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament
Photo credit: Paul Simon |
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The monumental grille was created by the artist Robert Prévost, while the surrounding mosaic was produced by the Ateliers A. Labouret in 1960. The mosaic depicts scenes from the life of Saint Joseph. Robert Prévost also created and drew the symbols found on each of the doors of the confessionals located around the nave.
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Mosaic and monumental grille
Photo credit: Claude Leclerc |
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Finally, at the very back of the nave is an oil painting entitled ''The Nativity'' (1872) by Napoléon Bourassa.
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''The Nativity''
Photo credit: Natalie Dumas |
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