Old Montreal... The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel 2

Copyright Photo: Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel Interior 1 by Montreal Photo Daily, on Flickr

The vaulted ceiling mural was painted by François-Édouard Meloche (a local painter-decorator) in 1886. It illustrates eight scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. This magnificent artwork, which had been hidden by a painted canvas that was pasted to the ceiling in the early 20th century, was only discovered in 1994. The three altars of the sanctuary were made of Italian marble at the beginning of the 20th century.


Copyright Photo: Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel Interior 2 by Montreal Photo Daily, on Flickr

Early Casavant organ, 1910.


Copyright Photo: Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel Interior 3 by Montreal Photo Daily, on Flickr

In the 18th century, and especially at the beginning of the 19th century, the port of Montreal was bustling. Sailors often came to pray on the eve of an ocean crossing, and the chapel began to be called The Sailors’ Church. These are miniature boats, votive offerings given for a favour sought or in thanks for one granted through the intercession of Mary


Copyright Photo: Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel Interior 4 by Montreal Photo Daily, on Flickr

Stained glass windows illustrating the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary... by D.-Adolphe Beaulieu, 1910.




Links of Interest: Casavant Brothers Significant Casavant Organs Around the World

16 comments:

Rae Walter said...

What a find that must have been to discover this beautiful artwork. Amazing. Especially love the photo of the stained glass window Ken.

Joe said...

Wow. Such an amazing building. Would live to have a go playing the organ up on the balcony.

Kate said...

I'd like to attend a service there. Again, you provided wonderful background information.

Birdman said...

Some amazing work on these ceilings.

Elisa said...

It´s so wonderful. The painting on the walls are great.
Thanks for sharing
And have a very nice day
Elisa, Argentina

Leif Hagen said...

C'est tellement formidable, Ken! Great photos of the heavenly interior - it's like a jewelry box! Wish I could attend a worship service and/or a concert there!
Bon mercredi 'a toi

Arija said...

I always go into a church when it is open. I'm not a believer in any organised religion but I do believe and any church of any denomination I find inviting and always light a few candles . . .
Beautiful photos of a beautiful old church. Somehow waterfront churches are particularly precious, giving hope to people going into danger.

Tanya Breese said...

wow, it's just gorgeous...must feel amazing to sit inside here!

Wayne said...

It's not easy to get good shots in places like this (for me anyway).

These came out well.

Kaori said...

I wonder why they covered it up in the first place? So beautiful. I don't think I could listen to the sermon there...I'd be too busy looking up at the artwork!

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous chapel!

RedPat said...

What a lovely little church - seems too large to be a chapel! You did a great job showing us the interior.

Randy said...

That is so beautiful. I love the stained glass windows.

Cloudia said...

That was an amazing time of building a new country for eternity!

Beautiful for a beautiful city!


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magiceye said...

absolutely gorgeous

Peter said...

Love the boat light!