St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

The origins of St. Joseph's Oratory are deeply intertwined with the life of Brother André Bessette, a humble doorman at the Collège Notre-Dame. In 1904, with merely 200 dollars, he began constructing a small chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph across the street from the college. Brother André, known for his deep faith and alleged healing abilities, attracted growing numbers of the sick and suffering who sought his prayers. As word of his miracles spread, the small chapel quickly became inadequate. Donations poured in, allowing for successive expansions. What started as a modest endeavor soon grew into a massive basilica, a testament to the enduring faith of its founder and the countless individuals who believed in the intercession of Saint Joseph. Brother André, who passed away in 1937, lived to see much of the oratory's construction, though the grand dome was only completed after his death.