The Splendid Mary Queen of the World Cathedral: A Historic Landmark in Montreal

Nestled in the heart of downtown Montreal, the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral stands as an architectural masterpiece and a testament to the city's rich Catholic heritage. This grand basilica boasts stunning stained-glass windows, intricate carvings, and a towering dome that dominates the Montreal skyline.

History and Significance

Mary Queen of the World Cathedral was built between 1875 and 1894 to replace the previous St. James Cathedral, which had become too small for the city's growing Catholic population. The cathedral's design was inspired by the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome and features a mix of Gothic Revival and Romanesque styles.

Today, the cathedral serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal and is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. It is also a designated National Historic Site of Canada.

Notable Architectural Features

• Stained-glass windows: The cathedral's magnificent stained-glass windows depict scenes from the life of Christ, Mary, and various saints. These windows were created by renowned artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and John La Farge.
• Intricate carvings: The cathedral's exterior and interior are adorned with intricate carvings of biblical figures, animals, and symbols. These carvings were executed by skilled craftsmen and add a touch of medieval charm to the cathedral.
• Towering dome: The cathedral's massive dome, which reaches a height of 101 meters, is its most striking feature. The dome is topped by a copper statue of Mary and the infant Jesus.

Statistics and Facts

• Dimensions: The cathedral is 100 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 33 meters high.
• Capacity: The cathedral can accommodate 3,000 worshipers.
• Number of stained-glass windows: There are 115 stained-glass windows in the cathedral.
• Number of bells: The cathedral's bell tower houses 10 bells, including a 7-ton bourdon bell.

Experiencing Mary Queen of the World Cathedral

Visitors to Mary Queen of the World Cathedral can explore its many architectural marvels and learn about its fascinating history. Guided tours are available daily, and visitors can also attend Mass and other religious services in the cathedral.

Unforgettable Stories from the Cathedral

1. The Bat in the Belfry

In 1922, a bat was discovered roosting in the cathedral's bell tower. The bat was eventually captured and released unharmed, but not before causing a brief scare among the congregation.

2. The Ghostly Organist

Legend has it that the cathedral is haunted by the ghost of Dr. Edmond Hardy, the cathedral's former organist. Some people claim to have heard the sound of organ music playing when no one is in the cathedral.

3. The Missing Madonna

In 1934, the statue of Virgin Mary that stood above the high altar mysteriously disappeared. It was later discovered that the statue had been stolen by a disgruntled former employee of the cathedral.

Comparing Mary Queen of the World Cathedral to Other Churches

Call to Action

Whether you are a devout Catholic or simply an admirer of architecture and history, Mary Queen of the World Cathedral is a must-see destination in Montreal. Visit this grand basilica and marvel at its stunning beauty and fascinating history.

Tables

Table 1: Mary Queen of the World Cathedral Timeline

Table 2: Mary Queen of the World Cathedral Key Statistics

Table 3: Comparison of Mary Queen of the World Cathedral to Other Churches