About the author Siham Jamaa defines herself as a trendspotter. Following an MBA in International Tourism that propelled her into the world of travel, she worked with the Réseau de Veille en Tourisme at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), studying the many groundbreaking innovations that are constantly rejuvenating this industry. Although her main focus these days is the entertainment industry, she has long been interested in religious and spiritual matters, writing and presenting on the subject. She is particularly interested in the concept of the religious and spiritual journey, an experience charged with meaning that can help those seeking self-improvement to reach their full potential. She is proud to help visitors understand the emblematic sites, symbols and figures of Québec through this type of journey.
Contents The Carillon 6 The Votive Chapel 6 Brother André s Tomb 8 Homage to the Virgin Mary 9 Saint Joseph Oil 9 The Crypt Church 9 The Great Mural 10 The Concourse and the Terrace 10 The Gardens of the Way of the Cross 11 The Exhibit on Brother André 14 The Museum 14 The Basilica 15 The Original Chapel 17 Index 20
Duration : 2hrs 30min Walking tour Saint Joseph s Oratory of Mount Royal: An Act of Faith he Basilica T can accommodate close to 2,000 people. The Oratory. istockphoto.com/songquan Deng On this tour, you ll discover one of Québec s most visited holy places: Saint Joseph s Oratory of Mount Royal (L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal). This important spiritual site is one of the province's national shrines. Each year, millions of pilgrims come here to pray and receive blessings. This spiritual jewel is also a must-see stop for lovers of history and sacred art and architecture. This visit will take you through the Oratory s key areas and introduce you to Saint Brother André, the founder and driving force behind this church. Majestic is the only word to describe the silhouette of Saint Joseph s Oratory. With its soaring dome, the highest point in Montréal, and its staircases cascading down the mountainside, this major Catholic pilgrimage destination is the largest church dedicated to Saint Joseph in the world. The imposing site stands out from Mount Royal, its layered design blending harmoniously with the slopes and offering a
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6 Guide to Spiritual and Religious Journeys in Québec panoply of marvellous views of the city. A far cry from the usual meaning of oratory, a word normally used for tiny chapels! The unusual name reflects its origin as just such a small chapel, built in 1904 by Saint Brother André, a religious brother of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Over time, one expansion after another converted the tiny sanctuary into the huge Basilica and magnificent heritage site you see today. At the entrance to the site, a monument to Saint Joseph and a manicured lawn welcome you onto the grounds. From here extends the Sacred Axis, in perfect symmetrical alignment with the Basilica. If you want to climb, follow the walkway to the foot of the main staircase. Otherwise, head for the free shuttle stop in the parking lot (to your right when facing the Oratory). If you are visiting in summertime, you will notice that the central section of the staircase is reserved for worshippers and pilgrims who want to climb the 99 wooden stairs on their knees. If you would rather walk up the left- or right-hand side, you ll still be impressed by the heights. As you climb, take the time to enjoy the view as it changes from level to level. DDOur visit starts at the carillon; when facing the Oratory, it is to the right of the base of the church. The Carillon The Oratory s carillon consists of 56 bells that were originally cast for the Eiffel Tower in Paris. They could not be installed for technical reasons, and were lent to the Oratory for its fiftieth anniversary in 1954. Afterwards, benefactors raised enough money to allow the Oratory to buy them. Recitals are held daily; the schedule is posted in the window below the carillon. DDAfter visiting the carillon, turn left and head into the Votive Chapel. The Votive Chapel As you enter the chapel, the vestibule contains leaflets and a change machine providing coins to light votive candles. The first set of doors leads you into a lobby with a welcome desk on the left.
19 Museum Adults $5, seniors (65 and older) and students (18-25) $4, children (6-17) $2, free for children under 6. Group rates with reservation. Daily 10am to 4:30pm. Closed Mon from Jan to Apr. 10am to 5:30pm Sat and Sun in Jul and Aug. Gardens of the Way of the Cross May 1 to Thanksgiving (mid-oct). Illuminated on certain summer evenings. Guided tours From mid-jun to early Sep, guided tours are offered at 10am, 1:30pm, and 3pm (fee: $5). Otherwise, group tours available year-round, by reservation only. Lodging The John XXIII Pavilion, located at the foot of the Oratory, offers B&B style lodging (17 rooms) in a peaceful atmosphere ideal for retreatants and pilgrims. Information and reservations: 514-733-8216, extension 2640.
Index Basilica 15 Brother André s Tomb 8 Carillon 6 Concourse 10 Crypt Church 9 Exhibit on Brother André 14 Gardens of the Way of the Cross 11 Great Mural 10 Homage to the Virgin Mary 9 Museum 14 Original Chapel 17 Saint Joseph Oil 9 Terrace 10 Votive Chapel 6 Way of the Cross 11
Saint Joseph s Oratory of Mount Royal ISBN 978-2-76583-245-4 (PDF version), is a chapter taken from Ulysses guide Guide to Spiritual and Religious Journeys in Québec, ISBN 978-2-89464-947-3 (printed version), published and legally deposited in April 2016. Crédits Research and Writing: Siham Jamaa Translation: Elke Love, Matthew McLauchlin, Christine Poulin, Tanya Solari, John Sweet Editors: Pierre Ledoux and Claude Morneau Copy Editing: Elke Love, Matthew McLauchlin Editing Assistant: Ambroise Gabriel Graphic Design and Layout: Pascal Biet This work was produced under the direction of Olivier Gougeon and Claude Morneau. Acknowledgments This book was created with the support of many people who believed in my passion and who supported me throughout the project. I would especially like to thank Pierre, Rizlaine and Richard. I also wish to thank the wonderful religious communities who generously opened their doors to me and shared their spiritual, historical and artistic treasures. Many thanks also to the members of the tourism and cultural industry for their dedication towards their institutions and regions. Their enthusiasm is an inspiration. Finally, I would like to thank my publisher, Ulysses Travel Guides, for the confidence, the vision and the creativity of its leaders. Siham Jamaa This project was made possible in part by the support of Québec s National Shrines (Canada), Canada Economic Development, and Tourisme Québec, as well as the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications and the Ville de Montréal under the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal agreement. Ulysses Travel Guides acknowledges the financial support of the Government of Canada. Ulysses Travel Guides would also like to thank the Government of Québec Tax credit for book publishing Administered by SODEC. In order to facilitate your viewing, this e-book does not contain a blocking device. It is however identified by a digital watermark that ensures its traceability in case of piracy. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including photocopying, without the written permission of the publisher. Guides de voyage Ulysse inc. Tous droits réservés ISBN 978-2-76583-245-4 (PDF version)