Iris "Frere Andre"
Hybridizer by M. Elaine Bessette, R., 1996
Blossoming: late May, early June







A Message from the Rector 
Winter 2012 click here 


Masses in Spanish
Todos los primeros domingos del mes, se celebrará una misa en
español en la cripta, a las 3 P.M.
Todos son bienvenidos.

On the first Sunday of each month, a mass in Spanish will be held in the crypt at 3 PM. Welcome to all! click here


Renovation of the Beckerath Organ in the Basilica
Renovation work on the Beckerath organ in Saint Joseph's Oratory basilica began August 29, 2011 and will continue until May/June 2012. The Sunday organ concerts remain at 3:30 p.m., but using the Rogers organ, located in the sanctuary area of the basilica. Thus, music lovers can still come and listen to the recitals offered by noted organists.


The reliquary of Saint Brother's André 
Saint Brother André's reliquary in your parish.
Information, click here

 


 

The Votive Chapel

 


 
Overall the Chapel Votive view
Photo: Nathalie Dumas

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 Saint 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 Saint 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 Saint Brother André’s tomb.
 
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..

Photo: 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 Bas-Relief
Photo Annick Robert