St. Patrick’s Basilica, Montreal – The church is known for its historic links to the Irish Canadian community. St. Patrick’s celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1997.
Saint Patrick’s Basilica is a Roman Catholic minor basilica on René-Lévesque Boulevard in Downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The church is located at 460 René Lévesque Boulevard West, in downtown Montreal, at the corner of Saint-Alexandre Street (Square-Victoria-OACI or Place-des-Arts metro stations).
It is the oldest English-speaking Roman Catholic Church in Montreal. English-speaking Catholics first assembled in Montreal at the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours church in Old Montreal.
The Quebec government designated the church a historic monument on December 10, 1985.It has also been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1989, the church was promoted to the title of minor basilica by Pope John Paul II, upon request by Paul Grégoire, cardinal archbishop of Montreal.
The steeple of the basilica, which stands at 69 metres (226 ft) as the gothic revival building. The church is known for “St. Patrick’s Chimes,” its ten bells, of which the oldest, “Charlotte,” was cast in 1774. It is considered one of the most magnificent examples of its style in Canada. The large lamp hanging in the sanctuary is unique in North America.
The interior is heavily ornamented with motifs that combine a French fleur de lys and Irish shamrocks. Saint Patrick’s Basilica is must visit destination in montreal.
