Saint Joseph's Oratory

Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine on the slopes of Mount Royal in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, founded in the early 20th century by Brother André (André Bessette). It is noted for its large domed basilica and its role as a major pilgrimage site in Canada.

The basilica complex includes a prominent domed upper basilica with a broad exterior terrace that offers views over Montreal, plus a lower crypt church used for daily worship and pilgrimage activity. Many visitors also see devotional spaces, devotional statuary and museum displays documenting the shrine and Brother André’s ministry.

Brother André established the original oratory and community in the early 20th century; the site grew over decades into the present basilica complex and shrine. The crypt contains the tomb of Brother André and became a focal point for pilgrimages; the upper basilica was completed later to accommodate growing numbers of visitors.

The oratory sits on the northern flank of Mount Royal within the borough of Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce in Montreal, Quebec, and is reachable by car and public transit from downtown Montreal.

• Viewing point: Best seen from the terrace on the basilica's exterior for panoramic views across Montreal on clear days.
• Founding and function: Founded by Brother André (Saint André Bessette), the site is both an active shrine and a museum with religious artifacts and exhibits on its history.

What to See #

• Upper Basilica: The upper basilica is the large, domed main worship space used for major services and public concerts; it provides wide views over the city from its exterior terrace.
• Crypt Church: The crypt church is a lower-level chapel that hosts daily masses and contains the tomb of Brother André, the founder associated with the site.