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Summer at Saint-Joseph’s Oratory: A Place Where All Can Gather!
Montréal, May 6, 2008 – Nature, music and history lovers will converge this summer at Saint-Joseph’s Oratory. An unprecedented pilgrimage site, the Oratory is also inviting Montréalers and visitors from everywhere to discover the numerous attributes of its exceptional site and its heritage.
Overlooking Montréal
Offering one of Montréal’s most glorious viewpoints, in the summer, the Oratory allows people to relax, contemplate and enjoy nature by visiting its magnificent gardens. Botanical enthusiasts can discover a host of information on medicinal plants with Any Schneider, herbalist and author.
The Oratory’s site includes 4 natural and wild wooded areas; more than 900 trees; 26 different species of trees, 30 types of shrubs, 60 varieties of perennials and 20,000 annual plants. The gardens are accessible between May and October, from 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
A Summer Melody at the Oratory
Back for a sixth season this year, the Oratory presents the Wednesdays of the Organ Festival, under the artistic direction of Philippe Bélanger, titulary organist of Saint-Joseph’ Oratory. Thanks to a list of renowned participants, the Festival will offer performances worthy of the most prestigious concerts in the world. “Year after year, we present accessible classical music in a spectacular environment! Maxine Thevenot, Réal Gauthier and Thomas Annand unite their talent to bring something new to the organ” adds Philippe Bélanger.
The Festival will take place every Wednesday in August starting at 7:30 p.m. in the basilica at the top of Saint-Joseph’s Oratory. The high point of the Festival will be a spectacular event involving the projection on a giant screen, with an improvised soundtrack by Philippe Bélanger, of a classic silent film, Ben-Hur - A Tale of the Christ (1926) directed by Fred Niblo.
Carillon concerts will take place every Sunday at 2:30 p.m. from July 6 to August 17 as well as on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 300 p.m. This is a unique instrument that offers music lovers a truly exceptional experience thanks to its 56 bells.
Discovering our History
In addition, the exhibition room on Brother André takes a look at the past for anyone interested in the Oratory’s history and that of its founder. “We see new generations that visit the Oratory, with their parents and often even with their grand-parents. This is great and it is always moving to see the affection our visitors have for the Oratory, Saint Joseph and Brother André” says Father Jean-Guy Vincent, c.s.c. pastoral vice-rector.
A world-renowned visiting and pilgrimage place, Saint-Joseph’s Oratory opens its doors to those of all religious affiliations who wish to contemplate and pursue their spiritual journey. “The Oratory welcomes people from several nationalities and various religious beliefs. Welcoming others is an integral part of the Oratory’s mission. We feel it is important that people know our doors are open to all,” explains Father Claude Grou, c.s.c., rector of Saint-Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal.
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For information, visits and interviews
Photos available upon request
Danielle Delaney Danielle Decelles
Massy-Forget Public Relations Saint-Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal
Tel.: 514 795-9903 Tel.: 514 733-8216, extension 2711
ddelaney@mfrp.com Cell.: 514 264-1764
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