Browsing through the City!

The itinerary for my trip to Montreal in 2018 included two important churches to visit – the Notre Dame Basilica and St. Joseph’s Oratory.  Both were spectacular churches with amazing architecture, stain glass windows, frescos, and history that kept me spell bound for hours. 

However, my favorite church in Montreal was found by simply browsing through the city! 

St. Patrick’s Basilica in downtown Montreal was built to accommodate the massive number of Irish immigrants that came to the city in the 1840s.  Construction for this beautiful church began in 1843.  The first Mass was celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day in 1847. 

This church was named a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1989.  Known as the “mother church” of the English-speaking Catholics in Montreal, it is also the oldest English-speaking Roman Catholic Church in Montreal.

As I walked into the church, I was captivated by the beautiful woodwork throughout the basilica which was complimented by the French Gothic Revival architectural style. 

The Stations of the Cross were quite spectacular and the largest I have ever seen thus far.  Between each of the Stations were oil paintings of various saints. 

The organ for this amazing church was first built in 1850 and installed in 1852.  What an amazing choir loft!  You can see the seats to the right and left of the organ and the many organ pipes directly behind the seats.  It was quiet as I walked through this church and wondered what it would be like to hear the organ and choir sing during Mass.

In 1991, St. Patrick’s Basilica was named a National Historic Site of Canada.

It is always good to have an itinerary when traveling, but it is even better to make sure your itinerary gives you ample time to browse.  It is amazing the things you find when you set your mind to explore with no time limit and no agenda!

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