The Crypt Church is the first of six floors in the Oratory. Although the name ‘crypt’ makes it sound like it may be underground, and although it is at the base of the structure, it is still way up on the hill in comparison to the street level entrance. Built into the side of Mont-Royale, the Oratory is one of the most interesting architectural structures I have ever seen. After climbing the three flights of outdoor stairs that lead up to the Oratory, the entrance to the crypt church can be found on the left-hand side of the building.

Construction of the crypt church began in 1915, and was inaugurated just two years later. The crypt church was the first step in the massive expansion of a much smaller oratory (still on the grounds today) which was having trouble accommodating the large number of Catholic pilgrims that were visiting the shrine to seek healing and pay homage to St. Joseph – did I mention that Saint Joseph is the patron saint of Canada?

The building of the crypt church was the first step executed in the masterplan of building the Oratory into the structure that we see today – a process that took 60 years. The shrine was the vision and life mission of Saint Andre Bessette – a lay brother of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, whose remains are kept in a special place just adjacent to the crypt church.

My first impression upon entering the crypt church was that it is relatively simple in decor. However, its purposes are apparent: prayer, confession, and the eucharist. The crypt church offers eight masses each day and the confessionals are open, taking only a short break around lunch & dinnertime.

The main alter is adorned with a giant statue of Joseph holding the child Jesus front and center – I found the whole room to be so fitting for St. Joseph; who was a simple but strong man… And looking upon the larger than life Italian carved statue – It was as if St. Joseph himself wished to welcome us into his humble space where he brings us to the Little Lord Jesus, quite literally… I can imagine him saying “Okay Jesus, I don’t typically like being front and center, but if You will… I would like to be in the basement with you by my side and to be in the place where people will most frequently commune with You”… Visitors can feel his humility, even in such a grand place – one can truly feel that Saint Joseph is the foundation and heart of this place – at least we did…

Our time at the Oratory began with the 12:30pm English mass, followed by a 90 minute guided tour – which we (even the kids 😉 would highly recommend. More to come…