The Oratoire of St Joseph is a Roman Catholic basilica, said to be the most visited pilgrim site in Catholicism after St Peter's in Rome, with over 2 million visitors each year.
The basilica's monumental dome has a diameter of 39 meters and rises 236 meters above sea level making it the highest point in the city of Montreal. The church is reached by climbing a staircase of 300 steps, and it is not uncommon to see pilgrims make the ascent on their knees.
The building's grand and imposing exterior, erected to designs drawn by Montreal architects Dalbé Viau and Alphonse Venne, in the style of the Italian Renaissance, dominates the sky-line of the northern slope of Mount Royal, and from the basilica's terraces one can look out over the city.
Considering the basilica's exterior, its modern contemporary interior design - by the Canadian architect Gérard Notebaert - is a disappointment. It has non of the rich, lavish interiors you would expect for such a magnificent church.
The Oratoire was founded after Brother Andre (1845 - 1937) began to be recognised as a 'miracle worker.' Andre attributed all his 'healings' to the intercession of St Joseph and declared that a basilica to honour St Joseph would be built on the side of Mount Royal.
As well as the basillica chapel the oratorie contains Br Andre's tomb, a votice chapel were the 'healed' leave their crutches, canes etc., and an exhibition dedicated to his life - amongst its displays is a reliquary containing Br Andre's heart.
Opening Hours
Daily: 6am to 10pm.
Prices:
Admission is free.
Address
3800, Queen Mary Road
Montreal Quebec
H3V 1H6
Tel: 514 733-8211
How to Get There
Metro: Take the Blue Line to Cote-des-Neiges Station.
External Links
Oratoire of St Joseph
 | A pilgrim climbs the 300 steps to
the basilica on his knees |
 | | Basilica's terrace |
 | | The Crypt Church |
 | | Basilica's main chapel |
 | | The Basilica's main altar |
 | | Lamb of God water fountain in basilica garden |
 | | The original chapel built by Br Andre |
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