St. Joseph Oratory

St. Joseph Oratory

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal (Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal) is Canada's largest church, a Roman Catholic basilica located on Westmount Summit in Montreal, Quebec. The basilica is dedicated to Saint Joseph. A reliquary in the church museum contains Brother André's heart, which he requested as a protection for the basilica. Millions of visitors and pilgrims visit the Oratory every year.

On 2 April 2004 Canada Post issued Saint Joseph's Oratory, Quebec in the 2004 Tourist Attractions series. The stamp was designed by Catharine Bradbury & William Stewart based on a photograph by Bernard Brault. The 49¢ stamps are perforated kiss cut and were printed by Lowe-Martin Company Inc.

Joseph, Hope of the Sick: Benevolent Joseph, the Son of God placed his life in your hands. With Mary, you cared for Him who is the force of life. May your compassion enfold our fragility, bringing us the comfort of the divine presence. We join you in prayer, saying "Lord Jesus, Son of the Living God, say a word for our healing!" Make us sensitive to the illnesses of those close to us. Support our efforts and gran us courage in the fight against all evil. Help us to find meaning in God's great project for humanity beyond the sicknesses and sufferings that blind our sight. The love of God be with us, as our hope lies with Him! Amen.

All the pictures have been taken by Elena.

Place for reflections.

St-Joseph Crypte.

The statue of Carrara marble behind the main altar is the work of the Italian artist Giacomini and was erected in 1917. 

The eight stained glass windows by the Montréal firm of Perdrieau and O'Shea were installed in 1919. They represent various episodes in the life of Saint Joseph.

Memorare to Saint Joseph: Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never has it been known that anyone who asked for your help and sought your intercession was left unaided. Full of confidence in your power, I turn to you and beg your protection. O foester-father of the Redeemer, listen to my humble prayer, and in your goodness hear and answer me. Amen 

St-Joseph central nef.

Crypt Church: As Brother Andre's chapel was becoming too small, a Crypt Church was built between 1915 et 1917 according to plans drawn up by architects Dalbé Viau and Alphonse Venne.

In 2004, the Oratory was designated a National Historic Site of Canada on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. 

Tomb of Brother André: Brother André died on January 6, 1937 at the age of 91. 

This tomb was first placed in the Crypt Church, then moved temporarily in 1944 and finally transferred to this alcove in 1949. The black granite vault was donated by the Honorable Maurice Duplessis, Premier of the Province of Québec from 1936 to 1939 and from 1944 to 1959. 

The artist Henri Charlier created the fresco above the tomb in 1937. It represents the Instruments of Passion, a central devotion of Brother André's faith, and pays tribute to the Oratory's founder with the three latin words: Pauper, Servus et Humilis (poor and humbe servant).

O Mary, my gentle mother and mother of my gentle Saviour, look upon me kindly and come to my aid. Joseph.

The orgue.

The temple as seen from Westmount.,

Central hall.

Passage on the first floor.

Walls behind the temple.

Painting on the wall.

St Joseph's Oratory is located at 3800, chemin Queen Mary, Montreal, Quebec, area code H3V 1H6.