In order to respect the request of the Prime Minister of Quebec to avoid groupings of more than 250 people taking place inside buildings, the administration of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal announces the cancellation of all Masses and all concerts until further notice.
“We have made this decision regretfully, yet because of our social responsibility toward each of our visitors,” said Father Claude Grou, CSC, Rector of Saint Joseph’s Oratory. “This time of year is particularly significant for our shrine because of the Novena to Saint Joseph which culminates on March 19 with the Feast of Saint Joseph. We are praying for those who are ailing, those close to them and the medical personnel who serve them.”
The Oratory will continue to be accessible for those who would like to pray or reflect. The museum, gift shop and the cafe remain open.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory has made available to its pilgrims and visitors many distributors of disinfectant gel in addition to recalling the preventive measures issued by the Public Health Department to limit the spread of the virus (hand washing, do not cough in his hands, etc.). Furthermore, additional disinfection measures are applied for the maintenance of frequently touched surfaces (counters, doors, stair railings, elevator buttons, taps …) and devotional objects.
For those who would like to continue following the Novena, which started on March 10, the website of Saint Joseph’s Oratory will share briefs daily reflections on line written by the guest-homilists.
Mass celebrated from Monday to Saturday at 8:30 a.m. will now be in camera but will continue to be broadcast by Salt + Light Television and then broadcast on the Oratory’s website in order to allow the faithful to continue to participate at home.
