“Devotion in wood” I’d say looking at the Chapelle du Frère André. This humble wooden structure stands as a testament to faith. It marks the beginning of a remarkable journey. We are standing before the Chapelle du Frère André. It is a place of immense spiritual significance.
Let me tell you about its origins. In 1904 Frère André realized his dream. It was the construction of a chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph. He had a deep devotion to Saint Joseph. The chapel’s location was on the north side of Mount Royal. The Sainte-Croix congregation acquired the land in 1896.
The original Chapelle du Frère André was quite small. It was a wooden building. It measured about five and a half meters long and five meters wide. Constructing it required leveling and terracing the ground. This was the first of many modifications to Mount Royal’s landscape.
Initially, the Chapelle du Frère André was for private devotion. It was for members of the Sainte-Croix congregation and their students. However, it quickly became a popular pilgrimage site. This was due to Frère André’s popularity and the public’s trust in him. People came to show their devotion to Saint Joseph. The chapel was too small. It underwent several expansions between 1908 and 1915. This continued until the construction of the crypt church began.
In 1918 the Chapelle du Frère André was moved. It was relocated from its original site. It went to where the carillon is now. This was to improve the view of the crypt. In 1954 it was moved again to its current location. Surrounded by greenery, it evokes its original setting. Visitors must climb to reach it. This ascent recalls the early pilgrimages on Mount Royal.
The Chapelle du Frère André faced a setback in February 1951. A fire damaged it. Thankfully, it was restored. It was rebuilt according to the original plans. Above the chapel is a small room. Frère André lived there at the beginning of his work. The room remains as he left it.
The interest in the site of the Chapelle du Frère André lies in its architectural styles. The first wooden chapel dates back to 1904. The project for a basilica with a crypt dates to 1914. But it was completed in the late 1960s.
Entering the site is like stepping into architectural artistic and heritage realms. These realms illustrate influences and styles. The Chapelle du Frère André stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of humble beginnings. It shows unwavering faith. It demonstrates the power of devotion. It is a place where countless pilgrims have sought solace inspiration and healing. Its story is woven into the very fabric of Montreal. It is also a testament to one man’s vision.