A Shrine That Faces West

Traveling northwest on the Montreal Island will without a doubt bring you into sight of the magnificent structure that rests on the west slope of Mount Royal. St. Joseph's Oratory instils a dominant presence as it perches elegantly on the side of the mountain, looking over everything in the west. This particular Roman Catholic church is the largest one in Canada, with a seated capacity of several thousand people. The site originated from a small chapel, which eventually became too small to serve congregations, thus the construction of the Oratory was commenced in 1924, and subsequently completed in 1967. The dedication to Saint Joseph stemmed from the original dedication of the small chapel initially built, honouring the miracles made possible by Saint André Bissette. Although slightly smaller, the Oratory dome is comparable to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, thereby making it one of the largest domes in its nature. This significant symbol and place of worship is a site for many pilgrims each year, however, a visit to this Montreal landmark is a necessity regardless of religious orientation.