Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal Quebec

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inEaster, LadyBudd, Montreal, Sunday Evening ReflectionTags:, , , ,

Happy Easter

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Peace Prayer of Saint Francis

Notre-Dame Basilica is a stunning basilica situated in the historic district of Old Montreal, Quebec, Canada, located at 110 Notre-Dame Street West, at the corner of Saint Sulpice Street. The church faces the Place d’Armes square.

Designed by architect James O’Donnell and built in 1824, the basilica is known for its Gothic Revival architecture, which features intricate details and stunning stained glass windows. The Basilica underwent several renovations and expansions over the years. Today, it stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Montreal, attracting visitors from all over the world.

One of the most notable features of the Notre-Dame Basilica is its Casavant Frères pipe organ. This impressive instrument dates back to 1891 and boasts four keyboards, 92 stops using electromagnetic action, and an adjustable combination system. With 7000 individual pipes and a pedal board, the organ is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and engineering.

Inside the basilica, visitors can admire the grandiose altar, and the beautiful statues and paintings. The atmosphere is serene and peaceful, making it a perfect place for reflection and prayer. Notre-Dame Basilica provides a glimpse into Montreal’s rich history and culture.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

Peace Prayer of Saint Francis

May we continue to spread kindness and compassion to those around us.

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

35 thoughts on “Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal Quebec”

    1. Thank you for travelling back virtually with me to the Norte-Dame Basilica in Montreal, Marian. We visited on a very wet and chilly day so the warm welcome when we entered the doors was especially heartening. I was amazed that the Basilica can accommodate 8,000 – 10,000 worshippers and remains one of the largest churches in North America.

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    1. I am delighted that you joined me virtually at the Notre-Dame Basilica, Liz. What I didn’t know until I visited the Basilica was the ties between Montreal and Vancouver. One of the statues in the sanctuary was of Emilie Gamelin. The Sisters of Providence was established in Montreal and their commitment to the sick, poor, aged brought them to Vancouver. They established the majority of our hospitals including St. Paul’s Hospital. I thought that you would appreciated this video. It is about 13 minutes.

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      2. Can you imagine what it was like to travel in the cold, wet Pacific Northwest. I shudder at the thought. And yet, the Sisters of Providence willingly embarked on those dangerous roads. I don’t think that anyone question Mother Joseph!! LOL. I am delighted that you enjoyed the video. Many years ago, I was privileged to work with Sister Mary Gordon, the person interviewed on the video.

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      3. I was struck by how uncomfortable it must have been to travel on horseback in those voluminous habits. Mother Joseph did sound like a force to be reckoned with! I was taken with Sister Mary Gordon as well. She must have been a joy to work with.

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    1. Oh Dave – Montreal has so many places to visit that I am not surprised that you didn’t make it to the Basilica. I read that Notre-Dame was elevated to the status of basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982 so my question was what is the difference between a basilica and a cathedral. This is what I found: The term “basilica” originally referred to a large public building in ancient Rome. In the Christian context, it was used to describe a church with a long nave, side aisles, and an apse at one end. The term “cathedral” comes from the Latin word “cathedra,” meaning “chair.” The Bishop’s throne, or “cathedra,” is located in the sanctuary of a cathedral. I continue to learn and learn and learn!!

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    1. Dear Klausbernd – I love your honesty. Thank you. For me, the Basilica is not just a religious building. It is a symbol of history, art and architecture. What I found most interesting is that this iconic Catholic structure was designed by a Protestant Irish immigrant, James O’Donnell, who resided in New York City. As I was walking through the sanctuary, the idea of an axis mundi came to mind. While opinions may vary, many people consider a church to be an axis mundi. Whether through its physical design or its use in religious practice, a church can serve as a powerful symbol of the connection between the spiritual and the earthly realms. Sending much love and many hugs to my dear friends, The Fab Four of Cley.

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      1. Dear Rebecca,
        as a non-religious person I perceive churches as aesthetic objects. As I am a minimalist I like empty churches.
        With love ❤ from the sunny coast
        The Fab Four of Cley
        🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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  7. Though I may have been elated that you visited this beautiful Basilica in my native city of Montreal, BELATED was the word I wrote to express my being late in replying. If one is not always 150% alert when writing a message, wordpress wastes no time in making changes right, or wrong as in this instance. So I reiterate my previous aforementioned measage, as intended… Thank you and belated Happy Easter to you and Don, Rebecca.

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    1. I am so sorry we missed visiting with you while in Montreal, Jean-Jacques. We came just as your left for France. One day, we will meet!! I loved the warm welcome that we received in Montreal. So much art, music, history and delicious food. Every step we took, there was a story! My favourite tour was a day going from restaurant to restaurant.

      P.S. There are some “WordPress” mysteries that will remain mysteries to me.

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    1. Thank you for your heartwarming comments, Shehanne. Don spent his early years in Montreal so this year, we visited Montreal to retrace his “roots.” Montreal is a vibrant city – art, music, dance, history. I am delighted you travelled virtually with us. Sending hugs and more hugs!

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      1. I mean what I say Rebecca. Of course folks can go online and look up a city. You have such a knack of bringing that city to life because you focus on the many aspects of it, the music, the artwork, all the things you mention. So thank you again.

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  9. What a lovely trip that must have been, Rebecca. It’s always nice to re-visit our “roots”.
    And what a stunningly beautiful Basilica!
    As you know I am not a religious soul, however, I do enjoy ‘man at his best’. This atmosphere, peace and grandeur can only be a blessing to whomsoever visits, which I will do if ever given the chance!

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    1. I agree wholeheartedly, Carolyn, – churches are more than just places of worship for the religious. They serve as community centers that bring people together for various events and celebrations. From weddings to funerals, churches provide a space for people to come together and support one another during life’s most significant moments. The Notre-Dame Basilica is an architectural wonder, with stunning stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and soaring ceilings. What I find compelling is that it holds stories – the story of a city, a society and individuals.

      The Basilica held the funeral services of Sir George-Étienne Cartier (1873), one of the so-called Fathers of Confederation and former Montreal Canadiens superstar Maurice “Rocket” Richard (2000). October 3, 2000, our current Prime Minster, Justin Trudeau
      gave his eulogy just steps from the High Altar during the state funeral of his father, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Canada’s 15th prime minister. And there have been many weddings including Celine Dion’s wedding to René Angélil on December 17, 1994.

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    1. Exciting news, Cindy! You will enjoy Montreal – the colour, art, music, history, diversity, the food, the people. I would love to hear about your adventures and look forward to the photos. Sending many hugs!!

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    1. You will be interested to know, Robbie, that James O’Donnell’s architectural design of Norte-Dame Basilica had a significant impact on Canada’s architectural history. His gothic revival style was widely adopted by various Christian denominations throughout the country. He emphasized intricate details and pointed arches. He died shortly after the Basilica was finished in 1830. He is the only person buried in the crypt of the Basilica.

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      1. HI Rebecca, that is very interesting. Isn’t it wonderful that some people make such a huge impression on the art/architecture/literature of their time that it changes the world forever. It seems so much harder to do this now due to the way the world has changed.

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  12. The Basilica is beautiful! Belated Easter greetings to you! I learned a great deal from your post about the Sisters of Providence. It is very inspiring. I agree that there is as much work to do today as there was so many years ago. Each act of kindness in this world makes a difference!

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    1. Thank you for your heartwarming comments, Linda! I agree – kindness creates opportunities for hope and connection. My Easter quote was from Meister Eckhart: “Truly, it is in the darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest of all to us.”

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  13. Wonderful and thought inspiring post, Rebecca. It reminds me of my French-Canadian ancestors who lived in communities between Montreal and Quebec City, especially Trois-Rivières in the middle. It’s difficult today to comprehend what a cathedral like this meant to attendees who labored weekly, often outdoors, and the comfort and beauty it afforded them. In the 60’s when people began ‘worshiping’ in the cathedral of the great outdoors, much of the reverence and respect for the Creator began to diminish. It’s always a joy to visit these indoor temples of praise with you.

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    1. Thank you for adding to much to this conversation, Mary Jo. I think of the country church that I attended with my grandparents in the heart of Nebraska. Sundays were special days of community and worship. The delicious dinners and suppers were amazing, fun and a break from hard, grueling farm work. I attended weddings, funerals, Christmas concerts – these are precious memories to me.

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    1. I am delighted that you joined me at the Notre-Dame Basilica, Diana. There is a great deal of history held in the paintings and statues. What surprised me was that approximately 11 million people visit Notre-Dame Basilica annually — which is about 1 million fewer than Notre-Dame de Paris. We visited on a very rainy day so there were fewer visitors that day. Thank you for joining me virtually in Montreal.

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