Montréal

Description

Montréal, Canada’s second-largest city, rests on an island in the Saint Lawrence River in the province of Quebec. A vibrant metropolis blending old-world charm with modern culture, its Catholic identity is deeply embedded in its architecture, institutions, and urban layout. Founded in 1642 by French Catholic missionaries, Montréal quickly became a spiritual and colonial hub of New France. Its most iconic religious site, St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, is the largest church in Canada and a major international pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Joseph. The city also holds the historic Notre-Dame Basilica, the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours, and the relics of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys and Saint André Bessette, offering pilgrims a spiritually rich and historically layered experience. Montréal continues to be a beacon for Catholic devotion, especially among French-speaking Catholics and pilgrims honoring Saint Joseph.

☩ Pilgrimage Sites

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

Feast of Saint Joseph — March 19

Principal Feast at St. Joseph's Oratory

The Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary, is celebrated with particular grandeur at Canada's largest church. Pontifical Mass fills the vast basilica, and pilgrims from across North America gather to honor the patron of the Universal Church and of workers. The feast occurs during Lent, giving it a reflective character.

Feast of Saint André Bessette — January 6

Memorial of the Oratory's Founder

Brother André, canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, is honored at the shrine he founded. Pilgrims venerate his relics and pray at his tomb in the crypt chapel. The humble Holy Cross brother's ministry of healing and devotion to Saint Joseph continues to inspire visitors.

Feast of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys — January 12

Memorial at Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours

The founder of the Congregation of Notre-Dame and the first female saint of Canada is honored at the chapel she established. Her tomb beneath the altar draws pilgrims who admire her pioneering work in education and her trust in Divine Providence.

Labour Day Pilgrimage — First Monday of September

Annual Pilgrimage to the Oratory

The long tradition of workers' pilgrimages to Saint Joseph's Oratory culminates on Labour Day weekend, when organized groups climb the famous 283 steps (some on their knees) to seek the intercession of the patron saint of workers.

🏨 Where to Stay?

Montréal offers extensive accommodations for pilgrims, including retreat options near St. Joseph’s Oratory and in the historic district.

Near St. Joseph’s Oratory:

• Maison Jésus-Marie: Modest religious guesthouse 10 minutes from the oratory
• Residences of the Oratory: On-site accommodation for individual or group retreats (contact shrine)
• Hotel Terrasse Royale: Pilgrim-friendly and just blocks from the shrine

Old Montreal (near Notre-Dame & Bon-Secours):

• Hotel Bonaparte: Boutique hotel near Notre-Dame Basilica
• Auberge Saint-Paul: Budget option in walking distance to Bon-Secours Chapel

Recommendations:

• Use Booking.com or https://www.mtl.org for central, pilgrim-accessible lodging
• Retreats and spiritual direction are available via the Congregation of Holy Cross at the Oratory
• Public transport (STM metro: Côte-des-Neiges or Place-d’Armes) connects all major shrines

🔗 Useful Links

St. Joseph’s Oratory: https://www.saint-joseph.org

Notre-Dame Basilica: https://www.basiliquenotredame.ca

Bon-Secours Chapel: https://marguerite-bourgeoys.com/en/chapel/

Archdiocese of Montreal: https://www.diocesemontreal.org

Quebec Sanctuary Route: https://sanctuaires.quebec

Tourism Montreal: https://www.mtl.org/en

Catholic Travel Guide – Canada: https://thecatholictravelguide.com/destinations/canada