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SAINT JOSEPH BROTHER ANDRÉ CONGREGATION OF HOLY CROSS
The Votive Chapel
A Tour of the Sanctuary > The Votive Chapel  
 

The Votive Chapel, constructed between 1946 and 1949 as an annex to the Crypt Church, is the work of architect Louis Parent. There was not enough room on the walls of the Crypt Church to hold all the crutches, canes, braces and other devices left behind by the sick who had been healed. The decision was made to add a Votive Chapel, so-called because of the “ex-votos” displayed there. These mementos, fastened to the walls, represent  numerous favours and cures that Brother André is said to have obtained by praying to God and interceding with Saint Joseph. All these signs of gratitude date from the time of Brother André. Although more items have been received since his death, none have been added to this display. The Votive Chapel contains over 10,000 vigil lamps—a symbol of the constant prayer of pilgrims. The chapel also contains the entrance to Brother André’s tomb.

 
 

Overall Chapel view
Photo credit: Nathalie Dumas

 
 
   
 
 

Bas-relief
Photo credit: Nathalie Dumas
 
 
The Bas-Reliefs
 
Along the side of the chapel is a group of bas-reliefs sculpted in 1948 by the artist Joseph Guardo out of plaster and tinted cement. The bas-reliefs depict several titles attributed to Saint Joseph in the Litany of Saint Joseph: Model for Workers, Terror of Demons, Guardian of Virgins, Protector of the Church, Hope of the Sick, Patron of the Dying, Consoler of the Afflicted, and Support of Families. The bas-reliefs rise above the rows of candles pilgrims can light during visits to the Oratory. The act of lighting a candle is a concrete gesture representing the pilgrims continual intercessions at the feet of their holy patron.
   
The Central Lamp-stand

In the middle of the chapel is a massive lamp-stand with over 3500 vigil lamps. At its summit stands an imposing marble statue of Saint Joseph  receiving the prayers of the faithful. The statue is the work of Joseph Guardo who also designed the fountain at the foot of the statue in the form of a stylized lily symbolizing the well-spring of graces that flow from this place.
 
 

Central Lamp-stand
Photo credit: Nathalie Dumas