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President of the Campaign
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is in need of a makeover. A major restoration project is underway to adapt site to meet the needs of its 2 millions pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
I feel that the business communities of Montreal and Quebec will join forces with Mouvement Desjardins to provide finance support for the realization of this project. Such support is only natural, since the oratory is an integral part of our proud religious and cultural heritage that we must restore and preserve.
In the constantly changing, rapid-paced society we live in, the Oratory is truly essential. Its natural beauty and silence invite us to complete, rest and reflect on our personal values and on the expression of our individual spirituality, it is also a gathering place for all cultures that reminds us of the need for personal commitment and human solidarity.
Supporting the Oratory is also an opportunity to pursue the dream of brother André, a humble and perseverant man who shared his vision with us, as did another great pillar of today’s Québec, Alphonse Desjardins, whose values continue to influence our everyday activities.
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Alban D’Amours
Ex-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Desjardins Group |
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The President of the Foundation
An Appeal for Solidarity for the Development of St.Joseph's Oratory
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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Louis Fortier, President
Saint Joseph’s Oratory Foundation
Photo: Pierre Dionne |
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Archbishop of Montreal
For one hundred years, the dome of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal has stood an outstanding symbol of Montreal: the house of prayer that dominates the city, that accompanies the faithful, open to all faiths, that welcomes, year after, millions of pilgrims and visitors, that is a source of comfort, peace and personal favours. More than any other house or building in this city, the oratory has been a part of our lives: it is anchored in our childhood, our history and our lives.
Individually and collectively, we all need the Oratory. This is why I wholeheartedly endorse its grand fundraising campaign. The Oratory needs us. And we can’t live without it. Now is the time to show your generosity.
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Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte
Archbishop of Montreal |
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The Rector of Saint Joseph’s Oratory
After much reflection, after listening to many pilgrims and visitors, and having consulted a number of experts, Saint Joseph’s Oratory developed its Restoration and Renovation Project, respectful of the natural environment of the site. The process was meticulous. We consulted with all concerned and interested parties, and we obtained the necessary authorization from the various levels of government.
To continue to welcome the millions of visitors who come to the Oratory in search of spiritual comfort and to experience an encounter with God, this project became a necessary.
I can you that our team has adopted a professional attitude and has dedicated itself to the completion of this large-scale enterprise.
I am convinced that Blessed Brother André would be satisfied to see his dream fulfilled for the benefit of all. Let us remain among us who are in search of justice, peace, and solidarity.
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Father Claude Grou, CSC
Rector |
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