Month: October 2010

Began in 1870 the Cathedral started its liturgical life. In 1940 it became a parish and in 1919 a cathedral-basilica in Montreal. It’s impressive dome can be seen from Mont Royal on the other side of the city.

The great organ, inaugurated in September 1893, consists of 93 stops, four manuals and pedal.

Arches along the aisles are decorated with paintings depicting the founding of Montreal. Walls and floor are made of Italian marble and mosaic. Here the top of the Baldacchino, a replica of the one at St. Peter’s in Rome, can be seen beneath the cupola. Created in Rome, made of red copper it was fashioned by hand and is decorated with gold leaf.

This Cathedral is a scaled down replica of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Impressive in every detail, this is a stop not to be missed when in Montreal.

Southeast of Montreal in the Eastern Townships an Abbey’s bell tower appears above the trees. Built by the Benedictines in 1912 on a wooded peninsula on Lac Memphremagog the Abbey is home to 60 or so monks who sell apples, sparkling apple wine, cheeses, meats, chocolates, fruits and jams. Apparently people from all over Quebec know when to come to get the best in the area.

Also located on the property is a retreat, available with reservations to men. Women are allowed at certain times, with the appropriate reservations.

Ceiling leading to the Abbey’s modest chapel. Definitely different architecture than what we saw in Montreal at the Basilica.