Saint Joseph's Oratory is a Roman Catholic Basilica on the northern slope of Mount Royal in Montreal. Oratory? We had stopped by for a short visit on the Highlights tour but Boca insisted we go back for and up close and personal view. Oratory?
In 1904, Blessed Andre Besset, CSC began the construction of a small chapel on the side of the mountain near Notre Dame College. Soon the growing number of visitors made it too small. Even though it was enlarged, a larger church was needed and in 1917 one was completed. Brother André was a lay brother of the Holy Cross order who was devoted to Saint Joseph (the Virgin Mary's husband). André especially related to the carpenter Joseph because of their shared experience as laborers and migrants.
Born Alfred Besette in 1845 and orphaned at 12, Brother André joined the Holy Cross Order at 25. Due to his poor health, he was assigned the humble duties of receptionist and doorkeeper at the College Notre-Dame in Montreal. However, another of his assigned tasks was visiting sick students and he soon gained a reputation as a miraculous healer through his prayers to St. Joseph. Before long, a new venue for his fast-growing healing ministry became necessary. Brother André raised $200 from small donations and giving student haircuts at 5 cents each to build a small wooden chapel in 1904 near the site of the modern basilica. Grandly named Saint Joseph's Oratory, the chapel was just 15 feet by 18 feet.Brother André's powers attracted pilgrims from great distances and he performed his healing work until his death in 1937. In 1916 alone, 435 cases of healing were reported. Interestingly, Brother André never witnessed a miracle himself. He counseled and prayed with the sick, but they were cured after he had gone. He later said this was his greatest cause of suffering. Boca and Bubba watched as people crawled up the 99 stairs as part of the healing ritual, Bubba suggested that Boca get right behind that nice lady for the same. Good idea Bub.
André's popularity was so great that he soon attracted the attention of church authorities, and a special commission was set up to test the alleged cures and André's integrity in 1911. The commission recommended that pilgrimages continue, without commenting on the miracles. André was beloved throughout his life and still remembered today for his life of simple faith, continuous prayer and unfailing kindness. When he died in 1937, a million people filed past his casket despite bitter winter cold. And André's dream of building a great shrine to Saint Joseph became a reality in 1955, when the present basilica was completed. Brother André is buried in the basilica and was beatified (declared "Blessed") by Pope John Paul II in 1982, a status one step below sainthood. And this vault contains his cut out heart! His body rests in a crypt at the Basilica as well- but not together with the heart. And the good news.. HE IS NOW BEING CANONIZED on Oct 10 in Rome. The Basilica was a flutter with preparations for this Canonization. It was amazing to watch about 100 plus young boys march in for Alter Boy duty that Sunday morning. Catholic friends, check out the service and process in Rome!AND ON TO THE ADIRONDACKS
Streams, brooks, lakes and the most famous Lake Placid. It felt like half of NYC was with us looking at the COLORS. INDEED a very popular weekend place. Living in Palm Tree Florida Boca forgot how beautiful "real" trees are and the changing of the colors. Oo la la!Pleep and Bubba were more interested in the rivers and streams.
LAKE PLACID TRAINING SPOT FOR THE ICE SKATER
The site of 2 Winter Olympics, 1932 and 1980. The population of this hamlet is 2,638 but I know there were a million people on main street with us today. Remember the 1980 Olympic USA-Russia Hockey Game? "miracle On Ice"- the young amateur USA team beat the Russkies. Some say the most exciting event in Olympic history. And while Main Street was jam packed with tourists there was absolutely NOTHING FOR BOCA in those shops....all that cabin stuff and canoe this and that, bear toilet paper holders, bear salt and pepper shakers, moose napkins and don't forget your deer pj's. No no no. But she did manage to load up on
And during that Olympic games Lake Placid High School was issued an alcohol license- serving as a private bar during the Olympic games. It is the only high school to be issued and alcohol license ever! Pleep wanted to sign up for school immediately.
