Back to pilgrimage. At St. Joseph's Oratory, Montreal, Quebec. Saint Brother Andre's enormous undertaking. The first chapel built in 1904, quickly became too small, expanded in 1908 and again in 1910. In 1917 a crypt large enough to hold 1000 people was inaugurated. Building continued although halting during the Great Depression of the world's largest sanctuary to St. Joseph. In 1936 a special meeting was called, snow and ice threatened to damage a roofless building. Brother Andre stated, "This is not my work: it is the work of St. Joseph. Place a statue of him in the middle of the building. If he wants a roof over his head, he'll see that one is provided." Within two months funds to complete the project were secured. Thousands of people asked Brother Andre for healing, through the intercession of St Joseph. Brother Andre died in 1937 at the age of 91. More than one million mourners attended his funeral. His body lies in a simple tomb inside the shrine now standing on Mount Royal. (Wonder if the use of the statue of St Joseph's in selling real estate might stem from miracles here?)
Back in Quebec... the Basilica stands on top the mountain and views from the seven stories are spectacular. There are 230 stairs from lower gardens to first level of Basilica and pilgrims are known to climb them on their knees. I wished I had enough time at the shrine to choose that option. Shrine is six levels high with chapels, Brother Andre's tomb, museum, gift shops and basilica. Full day is needed to fully witness the glory.
