Where Gumbo Was #385
Congratulations in correct order of guesses go to Professor Abe and George G!
Gumbo was found at Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was founded by Saint Andre Bessette in 1904 in St Joseph’s honor. It took six decades and numerous architects to expand the church like it is now. The church is a National Historic Site of Canada and also Canada’s largest church. The church dome is also one of the largest in the world. It attracts over 2 million visitors a year. In my opinion it takes several visits to really get a grasp of the place.
The building has a Renaissance Revival Facade and an Art Deco interior. The stained glass windows by Marius Plamondon depict St Joseph in Canadian history. Some other highlights of the interior are 12 wooden apostles created by Henri Charlier, the Great Organ with 5811 pipes and 56 bronze bells. The lighting is very beautiful and unique .
St Joseph’s sits on the highest point in Montreal. Pilgrims climb the steps and devout ones climb the last 100 on their knees to redeem themselves. People throughout the world believe the oil treatments that were originally given by Brother Andre are responsible for miracle healings. He credited the healings to St Joseph.
The Oratory has an $80 million restoration going on now that started in 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2022. It will create access to the lantern and offer a full view of Montreal.
Excellent interior shots Travel Rob !