St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal in Montréal, Canada holds several distinction. First, it is a minor Roman Catholic basilica. Second, it is a National Historic Site. Third, it is the largest church in Canada. Fourth, it has one of the largest domes in the world. Finally, it is the tallest building in Montréal.

St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal in Montréal was our last stop for the day in Montréal. We were thinking that Old Port Montréal was our last stop before calling it a day. It turned out that the basilica was just slightly out of the way. We made it our last stop. We know fully well that it will be some time before, if ever, we can be back in Montréal.

St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal was situated high up on a hill. It was a lucky break for us to find parking at its lower parking lot. Else, we would have found ourselves walking uphill. It was a big surprise to find a replica of Angels Unawares on the basilica’s terrace. This was the same sculpture that we saw in the Vatican, Rome. The sculpture, a group of migrants and refugees on a boat wearing different clothings, is showing the diversity of origin in culture and historical moments.

We were wondering why there were so many people at the steps of the basilica. It even gave us the impression that the church was so full that people had to stay on the steps. It turned out that the basilica faced west hence was a good vantage point to watch the sunset over the Montréal skyline. On a summer solstice, the sun’s rays comes into full alignment with the center of the basilica steps and sends rays into the basilica.

It was ‘weaving our way’ through the crowd of people sitting on the steps of the basilica. We came in through the massive basilica door to find ourselves looking at the altar of the Shrine from the nave. The high arch, tall columns, and high ceiling was Art Deco in design as a result of the emerging new ideas in architecture during the time of its construction. The exterior remained as Renaissance Revival in design with Art Deco design for the interior.

The basilica has several parts: the crypt church, the votive chapel, the rock of Mount Royal, the shrine, and the dome. The crypt church forms the base of the basilica with the votive chapel built between the crypt church and the rock of Mount Royal. The shrine is in the main basilica with the dome over it.

We took our time exploring the basilica. The staff were getting ready to close for the day. Each part of the basilica was interesting and warrant special attention from us. Soon, we found ourselves standing with the rest of the crowd on the steps of the basilica. Sunset was coming and we didn’t want to miss this opportunity.