Ever wondered where Canada’s largest church is located? It’s right here at Saint-Joseph de Mont-Royal. This Roman Catholic minor basilica is a national shrine. Saint-Joseph de Mont-Royal sits at 3800 Queen Mary Road. It is in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood on Mount Royal’s Westmount Summit.
Saint-Joseph de Mont-Royal is a National Historic Site of Canada. It boasts one of the largest church domes in the world. Saint André Bessette founded it in 1904. He honored his patron saint, Saint Joseph.
The Oratory’s construction spanned six decades. Numerous architects and thousands of workers contributed. Saint-Joseph de Mont-Royal attracts over 2 million visitors and pilgrims each year. Its monumental scale and Renaissance Revival facade make it recognizable worldwide. The Art Deco interior provides a striking contrast.
Rising over 30 meters above Mount Royal’s summit, Saint-Joseph de Mont-Royal is Montreal’s highest building. It’s visible from kilometers away. A municipal building code restricts building heights. However Saint-Joseph de Mont-Royal is the only exception.
The dome and lantern of Saint-Joseph de Mont-Royal are undergoing renovations. Architecture firms Atelier TAG and Architecture49 are leading the C$80 million project. The renovations are expected to be completed in 2024. They will create safe access to the lantern. This will allow a 360-degree view over the city.
Brother André, known as a miracle healer, started it all. In 1904, he received funding to construct a small chapel on Mount-Royal. This was across from Notre Dame College. The Gothic Revival style chapel expanded four times over the next decade. The Congregation decided to build a basilica in Saint Joseph’s honor. The original chapel still stands today. It has been relocated to make room for the basilica.
Dalbé Viau and Alphonse Venne were the initial architects. From 1914 to 1916, they constructed the crypt church. It seats 1000 people and forms the base of the basilica. Construction halted during the Great Depression.
Dom Paul Bellot redesigned the roof and dome. He made the dome significantly larger. Its design resembles the dome of Florence Cathedral. Thousands of workers completed the dome in 1941.
Inside the Crypt Church stands a statue of Joseph made of Carrara marble. Eight stained glass windows depict stages in Saint Joseph’s life. The Votive Chapel contains approximately 10000 candles. Pilgrims left behind nearly 1000 ex-votos. These include canes and crutches. The tomb of Saint André rests in an alcove in the Votive Chapel.
The Shrine’s interior follows a Latin cross layout with a dome at the crossing. The nave seats over 2000 people. The apse is designed in Art Deco style. The exterior uses large blocks of granite from Lac Mégantic quarries.
The Oratory’s dome is the largest church dome in Canada. It has a double shell design. The outer dome measures 39 meters in diameter. It rises 97 meters from the nave floor.
In 2004, Saint-Joseph de Mont-Royal celebrated its centennial. Canada Post issued a stamp in the Tourist Attractions series. That same year, it became a National Historic Site of Canada.
Saint-Joseph de Mont-Royal enshrines a venerated statue of Saint Joseph. This statue was authorized a Canonical coronation by Pope Pius X in 1910.
During the summer solstice, the setting sun aligns perfectly with the main steps. The main aisle inside the basilica aligns with the setting sun on the longest day of the year.
Saint-Joseph de Mont-Royal stands not only as a place of worship. It stands as a testament to faith and architectural ambition. Its history is rich with stories of healing and devotion. As you leave Saint-Joseph de Mont-Royal, remember the countless pilgrims who have walked these steps. Reflect on the enduring legacy of Brother André.