This Christmas I visited my daughter
Suzanne's family for Christmas and
on the 26th we visited St. Joseph's Oratory,
of Mount Royal, in Montreal, Quebec.
A mountain top Basilica,
the largest Shrine in the world,
founded in 1904 by
Saint André Bessette,
(Brother André)
Built on Mount Royal,
with magnificent views of Montreal
Statue of St-Joseph
Suzanne and my Granddaughter Sabrina
Me and Sabrina.
It was a frosty Winter's Day.
"Angels Unawares"
A tribute to migrants and refugees
placed outside the Oratory in 2022,
Sculptured by Timothy P. Schmalz,
and Ontario, artist.
Also the same sculpture
is placed at the Vatican in Rome.
A group of migrants and refugees huddled on
a boat from different origins and times.
Angel wings emerge from the middle
of this diverse group of people.
inspired from the scriptures
(Letter to the Hebrews 13:2)
A Crypt Church,
l
Magnificent Architecture
The Nativity
Votive Chapel,
Also crutches, canes etc are visible
left behind by people who were healed
by Brother André.
The tomb of Brother André
and his heart preserved in a jar,
can be viewed nearby.
The first bell
Wooden carvings of The Apostles
crèches (mangers) from around the world.
I photographed a few of them.
Taiwan
Senegal
Ireland
Spain
Saint André Bessette- Brother André
Slovenia
passed away at the age of 91 in 1937.
A miracle healer, healing
a numerous number of people.
In 2010 he was declared the first saint
of the Congregation of Holy Cross,
canonized by Pope Benedict XV1.
Thanks for your visit.
Wishing you all joy and happiness
this holiday season.
💚💗💜
