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St Joseph's Oratory
Category: Religious Organizations Churches Churches [Edit]
3800 Queen-Mary RdMontreal, QC H3V 1H6
(514) 733-8211
19 reviews for St Joseph's Oratory
19 reviews in English
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Review from Elsa M.
11/6/2011
Anyone who gives St. Joseph's Oratory less than 5 stars is going straight to hell. LOL! Just kidding... but seriously, I would confess just to be safe. This place is truly awe-inspiring and boasts beautiful views of the entire city.
Montreal holds a special place in my heart since my husband proposed to me on top of Mount Royal. The next day, before we left, we went to St. Joseph's Oratory after our concierge recommended we go (the Basilica was the only holy place on our list).
Although I don't practice Catholicism now, I was baptized and raised Catholic my entire life, so I still have a very healthy respect of the sacredness of places like St. Joseph's. Just walking up to the huge building is enough to take your breath away literally and figuratively. Once inside, we found several chapels - one with a service going on and another empty, save for tourists. Tall, wooden statues of all the disciples lined the walls in truly the most beautiful display I had ever seen in a church. The attention to detail with their expressions, features, and even their tell-tales accessories was both beautiful and haunting. You can't help but feel God's presence here.
If you live in Montreal, this is a place you should frequent at least annually. If you don't, then this is somewhere you should see at least once in your lifetime.
P.S. wear your walking shoes! Those stairs and that hill are no joke!Listed in: OH CANADA!, Places of Worship, Mighty Montréal
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Review from Steeven L.
Etobicoke, ON
Last weekend was my first visit to St Joseph's even though I've been coming to Montreal since I was a kid. I'm not a religious person so this place didn't have the same effect on my as it would for say, a practicing Catholic.
The architecture is nice and seemed very modern on the inside considering it was built in the late 20's. It's a very large building with lots of different chapels. There's always a mass going in one of them somewhere. The main cathedral is over-the-top big and I'm assuming is supposed to make you feel small compared to the hugeness of the catholic mafia... err I mean, god.
Since we went in winter, the gardens and other outdoor areas were closed for the season so I didn't get to see all of it. Overall, for me, it was a nice building and I took nice photos.
Oh and don't miss the hardcore pilgrims climbing the stairs on their knees! Crazy! -
Review from Seb A.
10/30/2011
Let me start off by saying I'm a former militant Catholic (Bible-carrying, judging other people, celibate, thinking I'm better than others, the whole nine yards) and a current bitter, cynical atheist (being an asshole, judging other people, thinking I'm better than others, being celibate but not on purpose, the whole nine yards). Reading the other reviews, I can see that most people have a religious or non-religious bias, which is understandable. I'm here to tell you that I've been to both sides, and as biased as it's going to be anyway, I will tell you about this place straight up for what it is.
First off, this is one of the most underrated tourist attractions in Montreal. I don't know why the hell people don't flock to this place like crazy. When you first see it, the utter immensity of it hits you straight in the skull. The sheer manpower it took to construct this beautiful piece of art is just jaw-dropping. The first time I went I actually had to pick up my jaw off the floor. OFF THE FLOOR. It took 12 hours to surgically re-attach it at the Jewish General Hospital afterwards. THAT'S HOW HUGE AND POWERFUL IT IS.
All joking aside, this place will have an impact on you. I've been to it over 50 times. This is not an exaggeration. Go on a Sunday morning, when pilgrims from many different countries (as well as from here) go up the steps on their knees, praying at each step. Whether or not you are Catholic or believe in God, you can witness the power of religion and its positive effect on people here. You will see a beautiful view of the northern part of the city from the top. Inside you will see beautiful architecture and can get a tour of the grounds and insides. There's a small little "tunnel" in the back where the ventilation vents out, and it smells like Bibles. Go ahead and check it out. You'll know exactly what I mean.
It's interesting to see the old church Saint Andre built before the Oratory was constructed as well. Although St-Joseph's Oratory is closed at night, you can walk around and/or go up the stairs for a mind-blowing view at anytime. I would, in fact, recommend doing that at least once. It is one peaceful place. -
Review from Ryan F.
10/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ahhh...what an amazing view of the city. I am in montreal a lot for work but only got to see this site at night...but still, what an amazing view of montreal. Definitely a must in the summer, day or night.
Can't wait to see the oratory too :)
It has become one of my favourite current, and must do visit to montreal :)
RyanListed in: 30 days..tik tok
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Review from Monica B.
Toronto, ON
2/3/2011 5 photos
St. Joseph's Oratory is a breathtaking sanctuary built by the newly canonized Saint in the Catholic Church, Brother Andre, in dedication to St. Joseph.
I've visited the Oratory many times, and each time the grand splendour of the building grasped me. Many stairs are to be climbed in order to enter, or you can drive up- the Oratory is placed in a high hill. Inside, the atmosphere is quiet & spiritual. Pilgrims are in prayers and Catholic Mass is held within the crypt of the church many times a day. There is an info desk where you can pick up an "arrow guide book"- $2, in order to give yourself a tour without getting lost.
What you'll find in the Oratory:
The Lamp Hallway- This is a warm, dim-lighted hallway with over thousands of vigil lights that you can light for $1. This hallway has many people in prayer.
Brother Andre's Tomb- Connected to the lamp hallway, rests the remains of Brother Andre who died on Jan 6, 1937. Here also, people are silent in prayer and veneration towards the newly canonized saint.
The Crypt Church- Simple yet beautiful, this is the main place where the services are held throughout the day. I couldn't help but notice the beautiful statue of the main alter of St. Joseph and the marble and oak used in the crypt, very beautiful.
Terrance on the Roof- The Oratory has a huge terrance that allows people to have a panoramic view of all the North-Western area of Montreal. You can see the Laurentian Mountains, lake St. Louis and St. Lawrence River. This is a must see and is breathtaking!
Brother Andre Wax Display- There is an exhibit showcasing Brother Andre's doorkeeper's lodge, office, hospital, and his preserved heart!
The Way of the Cross Garden- A beautiful garden on a hill shows off the natural environment and beauty. As you climb the hill, you see marble religious statues depicting each station of the cross. This garden is outside but attached to the Oratory.
The Museum- For around $4 (adult fare) you can see the museum that has an impressive collection of religious art from the Renaissance period, and so much more.
There is so much more: Brother Andre's room, original chapel, the souvenir shop (great variety of religious articles, medals and more for very reasonable prices), the cafeteria (offers full course meals), and the Carillion- largest church bells in North America. I had the opportunity to hear them before Mass, the quality and sound of the bells is outstanding!
The entire Oratory staff is kind and helpful. The grounds and Oratory itself are maintained very well. I can't wait to come back here again!
St. Joseph's Oratory is visited by pilgrims around the world in the thousands each year. This is truly a must see in Montreal!Listed in: Montreal, My Top Rated
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Review from Lisa C.
8/9/2011
This is only a three star for me. I'm not religious, so I didn't have the spiritual connection that some of the other visitors might of had. Also, this felt like a smaller version of the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur in Montmartre, Paris.
With that being said, this basilica offers a fantastic view of Montreal. Definitely take a gander at Brother Andre's heart that is on display. I think that was the first time I've seen a human heart D: -
Review from Hector M.
5/6/2011 20 photos
My vacation pictures can be categorized into three categories:
- Pictures of Fountains
- Pictures of Statues
- Pictures of Churches
Its almost a Pavlovic response when I'm in a foreign city and I see one of the above (I automatically take my camera out and snap, another one for my collection).
St Joseph's is not a well known attraction in Montreal, but it should be. It reminded me of Sacre Coeur in Paris - its a large domed church on a hill with a nice view. Parking is $5 and admission inside the church is free (as it should be). Admission to the church museum is $4, but it did not seem interesting. There are a lot of places to explore and take great pictures (inside the church, garden, view from the top, view from the bottom, etc). If you look carefully on the premises, you can find my vacation picture trifecta: church, statute, and fountain.Listed in: Fun Things to Do, Weekend in Montreal
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Review from Dave H.
8/4/2010 23 photos
Worth visiting for the view alone. If you're so inclined, attend service. Be sure to leave a donation, and light a candle.
Even though I'm not terribly religious - I jive spiritual - there's something about the art that sends chills up my spine. This place is designed to make one feel small, and very, very mortal, and it does a good job of it.
Visit the gardens, toss a coin into the pool, and meditate on that mortality. -
Review from Rho L.
8/31/2010
Hailing from a strict catholic background, I've seen my fair share of grande churches. I clearly had an expectation upon the drive to St. Joseph's Oratory.
Let me say that I was indeed impressed by what stood before me. It is a magnificent work of architecture only minds ahead of their time dream up. There are many ins and outs, floors, rooms and grottos located within its majestic walls. Masses, concerts and prayer celebrations are held here as well. It also houses the tomb and heart (literally) of Brother Andre. In their candlelit quarters, you come upon the Stations of the Cross.
From the upper levels you can catch an awe inspiring view of Montreal. You realize this is a truly beautiful city sparked by so much history.
I could think of adjectives all day to expound on how magnificent the Oratory is, inside and outside of its great walls, but I think you catch my drift... -
Review from Tina C.
9/17/2009 4 photos
Québec Providence has many beautiful Roman Catholic Churches on the North America East Coast.
Brother André Tomb and Heart are located on the premises for public viewing. Blessed Brother André is the founder of Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount-Royal. The Basilica houses concerts, communal prayers in addition to Mass. There were no Mass in session when our bus tour group came for a very brief visit of half-hour. I was able to achieve inner peace after this week's hardships and struggles of both my professional and personal life through the power of prayer.
There is plentiful supply of Holy Water open to the public upon worshipper's entrance and departure. -
Review from Rochelle A.
5/14/2011
Please let me preface with saying that St. Joseph is one of my favorite saints, the other being St. Michael the Archangel. That being said, the Oratory was my Disneyland!
My boyfriend-now-husband Floyd surprised me by planning a visit up here from Boston, where we both lived at the time. We're both very active Catholics and spent hours exploring the Oratory. I've visited many basilicas in Italy and of course the Oratory doesn't compare, but it is still a very special place for me.
One of the first things we noticed was the four flights of stairs and three pedestrian crosswalks in between each set leading to the Oratory, which I believe is the highest point in Montreal and the second largest dome after St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The middle set of wooden stairs was reserved for pilgrims climbing up on their knees. We both looked forward to attempting the stair climb at the end of our visit.
After the Way of the Cross in the garden (Floyd made me pose and take photos next to each station, saying "It's like each station is a prize on Wheel of Fortune..."), the multiple chapels, and other sites within and around the Oratory, hours passed and Floyd wanted to climb the stairs before sunset. He insisted I stay at the top to take pictures of him, with the excuse that I was in a dress and would hurt my knees. I agreed and Floyd made his way down. As he climbed up, I noticed Floyd clasping his hands, and I assumed it was in act of reverence and prayer. Tourists started staring as he neared the top, and with Floyd beginning to struggle in the heat, I encouraged him to climb the last set of stairs. Upon the last step, after my congratulatory remarks, Floyd urged me to come close. We embraced and Floyd whispered plenty of sweet nothings, including that he would try his best to "be your St. Joseph, and there'd be nothing more lovely than to have you as my Mother Mary." He exposed the ring he held in his hands the way up the stairs, asked me for my hand in marriage, and naturally, I beamed and exclaimed, "Yes!" We rushed back in, just in time to have one of the priests bless my engagement ring before he left for the day and light a few candles, especially the one for St. Joseph, Head of the Holy Family.
It was the most beautiful, fitting proposal, and I will always fondly remember the Oratory as the place we got engaged. I definitely would love to visit again for one of our future anniversaries. Even if I hadn't gotten engaged here, this place is a must-visit for both Catholics and non-Catholics who can appreciate such beauty. -
Review from Cha Cha W.
8/8/2008 9 photos
Feeling pain in those knees? Can't walk straight due to back pain? There's a room in the oratory covered with crutches from the thousands of people who have made pilgrimages and was purportedly cured. But if making your way up 100 steps on your knees is not your thing, take the escalator and enjoy the view from this gorgeous basilica.
The church museum has a display of nativity scenes from all over the world....France is ultra modern, Martinique was all coconuts and China looked like it belonged in a fish tank. There's also a display of select scenes from the life of St. Joseph and the reliquary houses the heart of Brother Andre. And you thought the occult was weird. -
Review from John S.
7/26/2009
A staggering work of architecture, it would be worth climbing up the stairs on your knees to see it... which you can do, actually.
The Oratory has a commanding view of Montreal, a beautiful secluded path that guides you through the Stations of the Cross, and a well-manicured series of gardens. Even if you are not there to appreciate it on a religious level, you'll find something aesthetically moving.
The interior is not nearly as impressive as the external architecture, with grand, flat walls instead of the ornately carved ones you may find in a similar cathedral in France or Italy. Still, the sheer size of the place when you're under the dome is enough to give you the kind of goosebumps you'd expect.
Regardless of the length of your stay in the city, find a way to get to the Oratory, particularly if you're a religious type. -
Review from Frances N.
10/17/2011
St. Jospeh's Oratory stands atop of Mount Royal. It's an impressive Catholic church and an imposing basilica with an imposing sea green dome top. There are many steps to get up to the top, but once you do, you'll have an impressive view of Montreal.
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Review from Wilson K.
10/5/2010
St. Joseph is a microcosm. Unlike the surfeit of typical gothic cathedrals every European tourist has experienced, here there are so many interesting things to see, you could comfortably spend hours and still come away fascinated. Built in the first half of the twentieth century, it bears all the signs of the muralist movement, avant-gardist art, and concrete art deco architecture. The walls are filled with images celebrating labor, and the sanctuary is dark and spiritual. There are openings onto vistas high above north Montreal. Here are some of our favorite apercus: the cubist stained glass windows, the doors by a Modigliani copyist, the mural at the second level that looks like a Giotto done by Chagall, the uncanny wooden saints lining the walls of the sanctuary (why does Paul-Pierre have an extra head growing out of his shoulder and what is St. Nathanial doing with his fingers?), the frieze with "St. Joseph" in convex 60s pop-art bubble letters, the gorgeous new copper cupolas.
Entry is free, as it should be for churches. -
Review from Kim K.
7/22/2009 10 photos
St. Joseph's is a massive, gorgeous church. Aesthetically beautiful and a must-go tourist spot. Climb the bazillion stairs if you dare but you won't be sorry. Views from the top are exquisite. Also, definitely make sure you tour through the Garden of the Stations of the Cross. Breathtaking even for nonreligious heathens like me. Definitely go inside and tour the basilica too if you can. Lovely and what a sight to see!
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Review from Lindsey J.
6/11/2009
I really have a hard time believing I am the first to review this. This was an exceptional place to visit. Built in the 1960s, it's a shrine dedicated to Jesus' father, Saint Joseph, by the Brothers of the Congregation of the Holy Cross. It seems one of the monks, Brother Andre (who dreamed of this place) also was known for his curative miracles and people from all over Canada and the world make the pilgrimage here yearly.
It's got four chapels and the basilica (chapels is a loose term-the largest holds upwards of 1000 people) all of which are available for self-guided tour. There is also the tomb of Brother Andre, a permanent exhibit dedicated to his life, a museum on the history of the holy family, and (seasonally) the shrine gardens for viewing. The museum is known for its' permanent exhibit of nativity creches from around the world. Guided tours are given and probably the best way to see most of the Oratory quickly, but you can do just a well picking up a brochure at the visitor's center and taking the complex at your own pace. Personally, I think most impressive features are the Crypt Church with its' stained glass windows, the 300 steps (or 99 kneeling steps for pilgrims) to the basilica, and the Votive Chapel where previous grantees of Brother Andre's miracles left their crutches and canes. Although not impressive at all (as it should be), the chapel of Brother Andre is the original site of his miracles and is located away from the grandeur of the basilica.
A word of caution, the Oratory, being built in the mid-1900s, is modern and doesn't have quite the ornamentation of older pre-1900 churches, but nonetheless, it is just as impressive. It also features a carillon (bell tower) that gives performances most days of the week and a world renown Boys' Choir (Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal) which tours internationally in the summer. I think they are almost as good as Vienna's Boys' Choir.
The shrine does have a touristy side with a gift shop and cafe, but at least the Oratory hasn't started charging admission, although they do ask for a donation to view the museum. There also is a small hostel for pilgrims to the shrine who will be staying overnight. I did the entire thing in several hours, but you can probably get through it in a hour or less if you want to. Being a shrine of medical miracles, the place is definitely wheelchair accessible, but to walk the Oratory is a bit of hike. The basilica sits on the western part of Parc du Mont-Royal and the dome can be seen all over Montreal (I think it's actually the highest point in Montreal.) The closest Metro stop is Cote des Neiges, but it still a long walk from the Metro station. I suspect you can catch a bus from the Metro station though. Also check the website for additional information such as open times.
It's a must see in my opinion that definitely doesn't break the bank (READ: Free!) -
Review from Kris L.
6/30/2009 14 photos
This is a huge church. I'm told it's the biggest Catholic church in North America. We stopped by just for a visit and walked around. It's humongosaur. Definitely not as fancy and elaborate as all the churches I've seen in Europe, but it's definitely one of the biggest. There are a ton of stairs to climb up, which we bypassed because we drove up to the top. Up the stairs inside the church they have Brother Andre's heart housed in a glass case across from scenes of St. Joseph's life.
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Review from Mathieu B.
Roxboro, QC
5/23/2009
I would put 4-5 stars if I was religious. From a esthetic point of view, all tourist will visit at the very least one Catholic Church. I'd suggest this one if you want to see an amazingly huge church. Last time I went, we climbed the stair like lot of curious people wanting to push theirselve to the maximum. There's about 200-300 stairs easy. for Elder/ Disable / Inactive people not so interested by it, there's an Elevetor from the very bottom. There's also in Christmas time some nice Crèche (In English? Nativity Scene... I dunno) expositions. There's som guided Tour or simply follow your instinct and walk all over the place. There's some Choir for pretty much every Mess and it's one of the best panorama you'll have from Montreal. It's not really the same view as Plateau Mont-Royal. I'd also suggest tourist to discover Cote-Des-Neiges area. Over 100 different cultural community, lot of nice little market/store. Just 10 minutes walk from Cimetary Cote-des-Neige the most beautiful Cimetary, worth visiting for the nice walk after Saint-Joseph Oratory.
