St. Patrick's Basilica, Montreal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Patrick's Basilica |
|
|---|---|
| Basilique Saint-Patrick de Montréal | |
An outside view of St. Patrick's
|
|
| 45°30′13″N 73°33′53″W / 45.5035°N 73.5647°W | |
| Location | Montreal, Quebec |
| Country | Canada |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | [1] |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | P. L. Morin and Felix Martin |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1843 |
| Completed | 1847 |
| Construction cost | $1,000,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 71 metres (233 ft) |
| Width | 32 metres (105 ft) |
| Height | 69 metres (226 ft) |
| Official name: St. Patrick's Basilica National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1990 |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal |
Saint Patrick's Basilica is a famous Roman Catholic church located in downtown Montreal, Quebec, in Canada. It is a special type of church called a minor basilica, a title given by the Pope to churches that are important for their history or art.
The basilica is well-known for its strong connection to Montreal's Irish Canadian community. It is the oldest church in the city built for English-speaking Catholics.
Contents
A Church for the Irish Community
In the early 1800s, many Irish immigrants came to Montreal. The city's French-speaking Catholic churches became too crowded. By 1841, there were 6,500 Irish Catholics who needed their own place to worship.
.jpg)
To solve this problem, a new church was planned. Construction on Saint Patrick's began in September 1843. At the time, it was built on the edge of town, on a hill overlooking the neighborhoods where many of the Irish families lived.
The very first mass was held on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1847. This was a very special day for the community. The church quickly became an important center for Irish culture in Montreal.
A National Treasure
Because of its importance, Saint Patrick's has been officially recognized as a special place. In 1985, the Quebec government named it a historic monument. In 1990, it was also named a National Historic Site of Canada.
On St. Patrick's Day in 1989, Pope John Paul II gave the church the title of minor basilica. This was a great honor that recognized its long and important history.
Amazing Gothic Design
.jpg)
Saint Patrick's Basilica was built in the Gothic Revival style, which was popular in the 1800s. This style is known for its pointed arches, tall spires, and large windows. The building is 71 meters (233 feet) long and 32 meters (105 feet) wide. Its tall, pointed steeple reaches a height of 69 meters (226 feet).
The church is considered one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Canada.
Inside the Basilica
The inside of the church is just as impressive as the outside. It is filled with beautiful decorations and details.
- Columns and Art: The decorations mix French symbols (the fleur de lys) and Irish symbols (the shamrocks). There are huge columns that are 25 meters (82 feet) tall. Each one was carved from a single white oak tree and then covered in a material that looks like marble. The church also has 150 oil paintings of saints.
- The Great Lamp: A huge lamp hangs from the ceiling. It weighs 815 kilograms (1800 pounds) and was put up in 1896. It is decorated with six angel statues, each 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall.
- Bells and Organ: The church is famous for its ten bells, called "St. Patrick's Chimes." The oldest bell, named "Charlotte," was made in 1774 and was used in a different church before coming to St. Patrick's. The church also has a large pipe organ that was first installed in 1895.
Famous People at St. Patrick's
The church has memorials for two famous people who were part of its community.
- Thomas D'Arcy McGee: He was an important politician and one of the Fathers of Confederation, which means he helped create the country of Canada. He was assassinated in 1868. Pew number 240, where he used to sit, is marked in his memory.
- Émile Nelligan: A famous French-Canadian poet, Nelligan was baptized in the church on Christmas Day in 1879. A plaque in the back of the church honors him.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de San Patricio (Montreal) para niños
- List of basilicas in Canada
