Church of the Madonna della Difesa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of the Madonna della Difesa |
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Church of the Madonna della Difesa
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Leadership | Archdiocese of Montreal |
| Year consecrated | 1919 |
| Status | Operational |
| Official name: Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Défense National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 2002 |
| Location | |
| Location | 6800, avenue Henri-Julien Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Roch Montbriant Guido Nincheri |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| Completed | 1919 |
The Church of the Madonna della Difesa is a beautiful Catholic church located in the Little Italy neighborhood of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Its name means "Our Lady of Defense" in English.
This church was built by Italian immigrants, especially those from a region in Italy called Molise. They wanted to remember a special event: when the Madonna (Mary, the mother of Jesus) appeared in a place called La Difesa in Casacalenda, Molise. The church opened its doors in 1919.
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Discovering the Church of Madonna della Difesa
The Church of the Madonna della Difesa was designed by Roch Montbriant and a Canadian artist named Guido Nincheri. It has a Romanesque style, which means it looks like old Roman buildings with round arches and strong walls. The church is shaped like a Greek cross when you look at it from above.
Art and History Inside
The church is well-known for its large dome, its brick front, and especially the amazing paintings called frescos by Guido Nincheri. Frescoes are paintings done on wet plaster, so they become part of the wall itself.
One very famous fresco shows a historical figure, Benito Mussolini, riding a horse. This painting was created before World War II. It celebrates an important agreement called the Lateran Accords. This agreement, signed in 1929, created Vatican City as an independent state and settled a long disagreement between the Italian government and the Catholic Church.
Outside the church, there is a statue that honors "victims of all wars." It reminds us to remember everyone who has suffered in conflicts.
A National Historic Site
In 2002, the Church of the Madonna della Difesa was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it's a very important place in Canadian history. A special plaque was put up in 2005.
The church is located at 6800 Henri-Julien Avenue, at the corner of Dante Street. It serves the oldest Italian community in Canada, which is a big part of Montreal's history.
Today, three priests work at the church. They are all part of a group called the Priestly Fraternity of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo.
Images for kids
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The apse, which is the curved part at the end of the church.
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A view of the beautiful interior of the church.
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The transept crossing, where the main parts of the church meet.
