Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel |
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Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
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| Location | 400, rue Saint-Paul Est Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1H4 |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Chapel |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | |
| Type: | Classified heritage immovable |
| Designated: | 2014-11-10 |
| Part of: | Old Montreal |
| Reference #: | 96643 |
| Architectural type | Norman-Gothic |
The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is a very old and special church in Old Montreal, Quebec. It's also known as "Our Lady of Good Help." This chapel was built in 1771 on the spot where an even older chapel used to stand. You can find it at 400 Saint Paul Street East, close to the Bonsecours Market. It's a famous landmark in Montreal!
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History
Building the First Chapel
Long ago, in 1655, a brave woman named Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys helped the first settlers of Ville-Marie (which is now Montreal) build a chapel. She was the very first teacher in the colony and started the Congregation of Notre Dame.
When she came back from France in 1673, Marguerite Bourgeoys brought a special wooden statue of "Our Lady of Good Help." A stone church was finished in 1678. Sadly, this first church burned down in 1754. But luckily, the special statue and other important items were saved! They were later placed in the new church built in 1771.
A Place for Everyone
After British forces took control of Montreal during the French and Indian War, many Irish and Scottish soldiers and their families came to this chapel. People even raised money here to build Saint Patrick's Church. This was Montreal's first Catholic church for English-speaking people.
The Sailors' Church
In the 1800s, the chapel became a popular place for sailors. They would visit the chapel when they arrived at the Old Port of Montreal. They offered gifts to the Virgin Mary to thank her for keeping them safe during their sea journeys.
In 1849, the Bishop of Montreal, Mgr. Ignace Bourget, gave the chapel a statue of the Virgin Mary as "Star of the Sea." This statue was placed on top of the church, looking out over the harbor. Because of its strong connection to the port and sailors, the chapel is often called the Sailors' Church.
What You Can See Today
Today, the chapel is home to the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum. This museum tells the story of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys's life. It also shares the early history of Montreal and the chapel site.
Below the chapel, there's an amazing archaeological site. Visitors can explore the crypt, where archaeologists are still digging. They have found artifacts from First Nations people and from the early French colonial period. You can even see the foundations of the very first chapel and parts of the old city walls!
You can also climb the church's tall spire. From the top, you get amazing views of the Old Port and the Saint Lawrence River. In 2005, Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys's remains were brought back to the church. She now rests in the sanctuary, a special part of the church.
Gallery
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Exterior view of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel, Montreal, Quebec
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Exterior view of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Old Port side, Montreal, Quebec
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Exterior view of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel from the Harbor side in Montreal, Québec
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Exterior view of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel and the Bon secours Market
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Exterior view of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal, Quebec
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Exterior view of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel by night, Montreal, Quebec
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Angel, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal
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Angel, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal
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A guide as seen from the tower of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal
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A guide at the top of the tower of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal
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Interior view of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal, Quebec
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Interior view of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal, Quebec
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Roof of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal
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Interior view of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal, Quebec
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Interior view of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal, Quebec
