Saint-Michel Basilica-Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint-Michel Basilica-Cathedral |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Province | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sherbrooke |
| Rite | Roman Rite |
| Year consecrated | 1959 |
| Location | |
| Location | 130, rue de la Cathédrale Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 4L9 |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 1957 |
The Saint-Michel Basilica-Cathedral (also known as Basilique-cathédrale Saint-Michel in French) is a very important Roman Catholic church in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. It is dedicated to St. Michael, a well-known figure in Christianity. This church serves as the main church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sherbrooke. It was officially named a "minor basilica" on July 31, 1959.
The building of this grand cathedral happened in two main parts. The first half was built between 1914 and 1917. After that, there was a long break of 39 years because there wasn't enough money to continue. The top half of the cathedral was finally finished much later, from 1956 to 1957.
Contents
Building a Grand Cathedral: Its History
The Saint-Michel Basilica-Cathedral has an interesting building story. It took many years to complete this beautiful church.
Starting the Construction (1914-1917)
Work on the cathedral began in 1914. The first part, which is the lower half of the building, was finished by 1917. This early construction laid the foundation for the large church we see today.
A Long Pause and Final Completion (1956-1957)
After 1917, construction stopped for a very long time. For almost four decades, the cathedral remained unfinished. Finally, in the mid-1950s, work started again. The upper part of the cathedral was completed between 1956 and 1957. This marked the end of its construction journey.
Design and Art of the Cathedral
The Saint-Michel Basilica-Cathedral is known for its beautiful design and amazing artwork. It was built in a special style that makes it stand out.
Who Designed the Cathedral?
The entire cathedral was designed by an architect named Louis-Napoleon Audet. He was responsible for the plans during both stages of its construction. Mr. Audet chose the Gothic style for the building. This style is famous for its tall spires, pointed arches, and large windows.
Stunning Stained-Glass Windows
One of the most impressive features of the cathedral is its 105 stained-glass windows. These colorful windows were made by an artist named Rafaël Lardeur from Paris. Stained-glass windows often tell stories from the Bible or show important figures. The large window at the front of the cathedral shows the four Evangelists, who wrote parts of the New Testament.
Art by Ozias Leduc
Inside the cathedral, there is a special chapel for the archbishop. This chapel was painted by a famous artist named Ozias Leduc. His artwork adds even more beauty and history to the building.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral basílica de San Miguel (Sherbrooke) para niños
