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HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE NOTICE

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ON THE

Prnambntsd with i8 fine ^NQRAVINQS

^ 'Sure <S!>uidc for ^frantjere avxb ^T^'miiovft,

MONTB\EAL :

EUSfeBE SENfiCAL, — PRINTER - EDITOR

Nos. 6, 8 and lo, St-Vincent St.

i88o.

^^^"^wm

STRANGERS AND VISITORS,

THIS BOOK IS AN

Indispensable and Sure Guide.

Independant of its being elegaiiLly illustrated, the Public at
large, we are confident, will find it instructive and interesting,
as giving an exact history and description of NOTRE-DAME,
with full details and particulars of what this Religious Monu-
ment contains its Sanctuary and Main Altar, probably the

only existing one of its kind, its many masterpieces of art, its
splendid though yet incomplete decorations, &c., &c.

Entered according lo Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year one thousand
eight hundred and eighty, by Revd. M. V. Rousselot, Priest, S.S., in the
office of the Minister of Agriculture.

i^S^i£^ .

' f"

THE CHtTBCH OP N0TEE*DA11B.

On the 18tli of May 1G42, Mr. De Maisonnnuvo nnd the
colonists accompanying him from Franc«», sent by Mr. Olier (1)
and his associates, reached the Island of Mount-Royal, as8um».J
possession of it and founded " Ville-Marie " (no\. Montreu.).

A temporary chapel ,of bark, was immediately built at the Fort,
on " Pointe k Calliero," and was used and known as the parish
Church, under the name of Notre-Dame, until the following
year, during which, upon the same spol, a wooden edi{lc(! was
constructed.

In 1654, this latter chapel becoming also inadequate to the
wants of the congregation, Mr. de Maisonneuve suggested to
his fellow citizens the erection of another larger and more
commodious church, to be built adjoining the Hospital in
St. Paul street, on the spot where stand to day the massive stores
of the Sisters of the Hotel-Dieu.

The parochial services were held thisre during more than
twenty years,in anticipation of the time when a fine and spacious
parish Church would be erected. In 1672, the building of this
long sought for church was begun, on what is known to day as
" Place d'Armes," and was completed in 1678. Extensive as its
proportions were, a century later the increasing require-
ments of the people demanded that a far more spacious and
imposing edifice should replace it.

However,it was only in 1823 that the foundations of the present
Church were laid. Thanks to the zeal and generosity of the
parishioners, and of the Seminary of St. Sulpice, so actively were
the works kept up that, on the 7th of June 1829, the Church
was opened to the public; and on the fifteenth, a week after-
wards, Monseigneur Lartigue, first Bishop of Montreal, officiated
pontifically within its walls.

The edifice is, in the highest degree, a grand and imposing
structure. Its front is perfect in symmetry, its bold and lofty
towers attract attention from the extremities of the city, and are
visible from the south at a distance of over thirty miles.

The portico between the two towers is 60 feet in height. The

(1) First Superior of Iha Seminary of St. Sulpice, in Paris.

HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE NOTICE ON THE

three colossal statues piaced over the arcades represent the
Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph and St. John the Baptist, the patrons
of Lower Canada and of the city of Montreal.

This vast monument belongs, it will be seen, to a branch of
the Gothic, the pointed-arch school of architecture, a school
that has handed down to us the Lime-hallowed cathedrals of the
old world, a style so perfectly in harmony with christian thought
and biblical tradition, and so admirably calculated to elevate

the soul «o God. .

THE TOWERS.

Measured from their foundation to their pinnacle, the towers
are 227 feet in height. The platform of the western tower is
reached by a stairway containing 279 steps. From this elevated
stand-point is to be obtained one of the finest views of Montreal
and its environs, a view unobstructed on every side, and allowing
the spectator to enjoy, without en'ort, the enchanting spectacle
offered to his gaze.

To the North, is the great artery of the St. Lawrence suburbs,
stretching to the extremity of Mile-End and thence to the banks
of " Riviere des Prairies " (Back River).

Towards the East the Lowei- - Town extends its wharves
lined with vessels as far as the Village of Hochelaga, whence
the eye may follow the majestic course of the St. Lawrence,
watering our richest and most fertile lands in its journey towards
the sea, till lost to sight on the horizon beyond the spires of
Varennes. On the South, the landscape extends over the islands
of St. Helen and St. Paul, comprises the parishes of Longueuil
and Laprairie, includes the delightful country around Belceil
and St. Hilaire, and stretches even as far as the Green Mountains
of Vermont.

Westward, along the Lachine Canal, lies the plain of St. Ga-
briel, silent witness of the many early struggles against the
Iroquois Indians ; and the town of the Tanneries, destined at
some future day to be the connecting link between our metro-
polis and Lachine.

In closing the circle, the eye rests upon the most attractive
feature in Montreal's position, the sloping side of Mount-Royal,
studded with splendid villas, and crowned by the beauties of
the new mountain Park.

CHURCH Of NOTRE-DAME OF MONTREAL. D

THE " BOURDON " OF NOTRE-DAME AND ITS TEN
OTHER CHURCH-BELLS.

A moment's rest in the descent from the summit of the tower to
examme what is known as " le gros bourdon." This enormous
bell weighes 24,780 pounds, is 6 feet high, and at its mouth
measures eight feet and seven inches in diameter. Its sound is
magnificent in its fulness and grandeur ; it relates its own history,
in the following inscription, found graven on its exterior :

ANNO DOMINI 1847.

FUNDATiE MARIANOPOLIS 202.

PII P. P. IX, PONTIFCATUS L

REGNI VICTORL^ BRITTANIARUM 10.

EX^IISSIMO MERCATORUM, AGRICOLARUM ARTIFI-

CUMQUE MARIANOPOLITENSIUM DONO.
That is : I was cast in the year of the Christian era 1847, the
202nd since the foundation of Montreal, the first of Pius the
ninth's pontificate, and the tenth of the reign of Victoria, Queen
of England; lam the gift of the merchants, the farmers and
the mechanics of " Vilie-Marie."

It is ornamented with the images of the Blessed Virgin and
St. John the Baptist, and with the emblems of Agriculture,
Commerce and Industry. Under these may be read :
CAROLUS ET GEGRGIUS MEARS
LONDINI FECERUNT.

I was cast in London by Charles and George Mears.

In the Eastern tower are hung ten smaller boils, beautifully
toned in such perfect harmony 1 hat the most varied musical
airs Qan be executed while they peal.

The 1st weighing 6011 pounds, strikes do

The 2nd

3633

The 3rd

2730

The 4th

2114

The 5th

1631

sol

The Gth

1463

The 7th

1200

»i

The 8th

1093

do octave

The 9th

924

The 10th

897

,.-i^m

HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE NOTICE ON THE

This forms the following scale :

J ^ .. . P 1

sol

(Jo

When, on j^rand festival days, the great " Bourdon " joins its
solemn tones to the chimes of its ten Sisters, the soul-stirring
eflect is so striking, that we may safely say no other such concert
can be heard on the continent of America. Each of these ten
bells bears the name of its donor (1).

THE INTERIOR OF NOTRE-DAME.

Leaving its towers, let ns cross the threshold of this grand
temple of the Almighty, taking in, as one can do, at a single
glance, the entire precincts within its walls.

Its vast nave,its side aisles, its spacious two storied galleries seen
in the twil'ght as it were, of mysterious gloom, involuntarily im
press the mind with the vastness of the sacrededifice,with thoughts
of the Infinite and Omnipotent. The paintings, the gildings, the
sculptures, the stained glass windows, the chef-d' osuvres (master
pieces) of artistic ornamentation, though A\\\ unfinished, all seem
to waft our thoughts towards an unknown world, dazzle us with
their innumerable beauties and render us for the moment unable
to determine upon which of them first to direct our attention.

The nave of the church including the Sanctuary, is 220 feet
in length, nearly eighty feet in height, sixty-nine feet in width,
without including the side aisles which measure 25J feet each ;
the walls are five feet thick.

When the project of erecting this splendid edifice originated,

(1) These donors aro :

The Seminary of Montreal.

M.M. Albert Furniss and Ed. Dowling.

Mr. and Mrs. John Donegani.

Mr. and Mrs. Olivier Berlhelet,

The Hon. Jules Quesnel.

M and Mrs. Hubert Pare.

Rev. L. S. Parent, parish priest of Repenligny.

Mr. Jean Bnneau

Mr. and Mrs. T. Bouthilier.

Mr. Auguslin Perraull.

CHURCH OF NOTRE-DAME OF MONTREAL. 7

the architect was instructed to furnish the plan of a church
capable of accommodating 10,000 persons, who shonld not only
enjoy the privilege of being able to follow the holy ceremonies
at the altar, but to hear the word of God, and to hear it easily
from the pulpit. To these two inestimable advantages, the ar-
chitecture of Notre-Dame lends itself most happily, and we are
safe, we believe, in staling, that this church alone possesses this
double advantage.

On extraordinary occasions, by utilising all the pews and aisles
in the galleries and body of the church, it is capable of con-
taining 12,000 and even 15,000 persons.

Fourteen side windows, forty feet high, light up the galleries,
and admit soft rays upon the grand aisle.

We enter now upon more minute details, and in order to do so
with some species of system, attention may be directed towards
the western side aisle.

WESTERN SIDE AISLE, TO THE RIGHT.

THE BAPTISMAL CHAPEL

Our first steps into this side-aisle bring us to a chapel adjoin-
ing the wall of the tower, and containing the baptismal font.

The painting over the altar represents the baptism of Our Lord
by St. John the Baptist, in the waters of the Jordan, and is a
copy of the great mosaic work of C. Maratta, to be found in the
Baptismal chapel of St. Peter, at Rome ; Our Saviour is sur-
rounded by Angels, St. John with averted face is pouring water
upon his head, scarce daring to gaze upon the features of One,
in whose presence all others must appear so unworthy (1).

(1). This baptism by St. John was but symbolical of the baptism insti-
tuted by Our Lord Jesus-Christ, the Sacrament so indispensable towards
salvation :

" Eunles ergo, docete omnes genles, baplizanles eos in nomine Palris elFilii
" et Spirilus Sancli.

" Kisi quis renalus fueril ex aqua el Spirilu Sanclc, non potest inlroire in
regnuin Dei.

" Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising Ihem in the name of the
" Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." Math. XXVIII, 19.

" Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghoft, he cannot
enter into the Kingdom of God. St. John, III. 3."

HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE NOTICE ON THE

The font itself is of white marble, supported by the figures of
four angels, and the cover or lid is of gilded copper.

OUR LADY OF CONSTANT SUCCOUR.
" Notre-Dame de Perp6tuel Secours."

This is a copy of a justly celebrated and miraculous painting,
in the Byzantine style, brought from the East to Rome many
centuries ago.

The Virgin Mary holds the Infant Jesus in her arms, two
Archangels appear offering the dreaded instruments of his future
Passion to the Divine Child, who instinctively shrinks at their
first sight.

CHURCH OF NOTRE- DAME OF MONTREAL. 9

Between the altars are placed the confessionals, where sinners
acknowledge their offences to the ministers of Christ, and
receive from them remission or absolution :

On the evening of the resurrection, Jesus entered the closed
guest-chamber (Cenacle) where his disciples were assembled, stood
in their midst and said :

" Pax vobis. Sicut misit me Pater, ct Ego mitto vos. H^c cum
" dixisset, insufflavit et dixit eis : Accipite SpirUum Sanctum,
" quorum remiseritis peccatu, remittuntur eis ; et quorum rctinue-

" ritis, retenta sunt.

" Peace be unto you, as my Father has sent me, even so I send
" you. Having said this He breathed on them and saith unto
" them : Receive ye the Holy Ghost ; whosesoever sins ye remit,
" they are remitted, and kv hose soever sins ye retain, they are re-
tained." St. John, XX, 21, 22, 23.

These were words uttered and intended for all time,
since alas ! there must ever be sinners in this world, and
sins to be atoned for and forgiven. But how could the priest
remit offences of which he has no knowledge, and how could
that knowledge be obtained, unless the penitent sinner has
confided it to his spiritual adviser ? Hence the necessity of con-
fession, recognized and practised since the earliest days of the
Catholic Church.

I i:

CHAPEL OF ST. AMABLE.

The second altar we come to is that of St. Amable, priest and
pastor of Riom, in Auvergne, France, in the fifth century. The
picture, an old painting from the pencil of a native artist
evidently self instructed in his art, represents the Saint control-
ling by Almighty power the ravages of a vast conflagration (I).

The altar in this chapel was once the Main Altar of the Church,
and is preserved there as a memento of the past.

(I) This picture is shortly to be replaced by another obtained from Rome.

I J"i

10 HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE NOTICE ON THE

ST. Joseph's chapel.

The third chapel is that of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed
Virgin, adoptive father of the Infant Jesus. He appears in the
painting bearing in his arms the Divine Child. Marvellous
instances of supernatural assistance and protection are related
in connection with the faithful who have devoutly prayed before
this picture.

Four statues adorn this altar :

The two principal ones are those of St. Francis of Sales and
St. Theresa, celebrated for their devotion to St. Joseph ; the two
smaller figures represent St. Louis Gonzaga and St. Stanislas
Kostka, patrons of Christian youth, who, like St. Joseph, pre-
served their innocence and purity during their entire life time.

In the tomb beneath this altar rests^ the body of St. Felix,
taken from the catacombs of Rome.

chapel of the hlessed virgin.

At the extremity of the aisle to the right is found the chapel
of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The " bas-relief " (basso-relievo)
upon the tomb recalls the mystery of the Presentation. The
Virgin Mary at the tender age of three years, accompanied by
St. Ann and St. Joachim, enters the temple in order to consecrate
her life to God, and is received by the High-priest.

Tlie superb painting overhanging the altar, represents the
Queen of Heaven handing the Rosary to St. Dominick. From
her arms the Infant Jesus is placing a crown of thorns upon the
head of St. Catherine of Sienna. This is an enlarged copy of a
celebrated picture in the Church of St. Sabine at Rome, painted
by Andre Vannuchi, better known under the name of Del Sarto.
A nearer glance discloses, upon the gilded door of the taber-
nacle, an exquisite little painting of the Madonna. This miniature
" chef-d'ceuvre " was purcha-^cd at Florence (Italy), in 1 872.

The crucifix and candlesticks are beautifully enamelled and
were purchased in Paris at a cost of six hundred dollars.

Before proceeding further,the visitor should devote a moment's
attention to a handsome painting, an excellent copy of a master-
piece by Mignard, ornamenting, on the left side of the aisle, one

CHURCH OF NOTRE DAME OF MONTREAL. 11

of the exterior panels of the Stanctuary, St. Ignatius, founder of
the Society of Jesus, is seen in prayer in the grollo of Manreza,
and there to him appears the Mother of God with her Divine
Son, handing him the rules and constitutions of the Jesuit Order.

THE PASSAGE BEHIND THE GRAND-ALTAR.

At a slight elevation in the passage extending behind the
Main-Altar and the tabernacle, we may admire the beautiful
statues of the Blessed Virgin and adoring Angels. At their
feet are inscribed the words :

Adoremus Sanctissimum Sacrainentum.

It is thus that the Mother of Our Lord, and with her the
Angels impress upon the passers-by, a sense of respect and vene-
ration for the consecrated precincts in which they stand, and
recall and quicken the feelings of love and adoration due to
Our Saviour Jesus-Christ in His Holy Sacrament.

An inscription enjoins " silence"; the sacred character of the

spot demands it.

:o:

EASTERN SIDE AISLE, TO THE LEFT.

CHAPEL OF THE SACRED-HEART.

Leaving the passage to enter the eastern side aisle, the first
chapel reached is that of the Sacred-Heart. The painting re-
presents Our Lord appearing to the Blessed Margaret-Mary, a
nun of the order of the Visitation, at Paray-le-Monial, (France) ;
it is an exact and life-like portrait of this holy virgin. Our
Saviour shows her His divine Heart so full of love for man,
from whom alas ! He receives so frequently but ingratitude and
forgetfulness in return. He urges the institution of a special
holy-day of reparation in honor of His Sacred Heart (I ).

Beneath this altar rests a body also taken from the catacombs
of Rome, the remains of the Virgin and Martyr St. Irene. Hers
was the palm of martyrdom while still in the prime of youth,
hers the happiness of death rather than the sacrifice of her in-
nocence and of her faith.

(1). This festival has heen established, and is celebrated on the Friday follow-
ing the octave of the Holy Sacrament.

HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE NOTICE ON THE

To the right of this altar, upon one of the exterior panels of
the sanctuary, is to be seen an extremely old painting, the pre-
sentation of the Infant Jesns in the temple of Jerusalem.

:o:

Upon the wall, towards the left, is the first of the fourteen
paintings representing the Way of the Cross. Placed in their
order around the Chnrch, they recall the principal incidents
that marked Our Lord's agonizing footsteps from the judgment
seat of Pilate to mount Calvary.

These pictures, really good paintings, were obtained in Paris.

ST. Ann's chapel.

To St. Ann, mother of theVirgin Mary, is dedicated the next altar-

Carnevali, a distinguished Roman painter has rendered life
like the images of St. Ann, of St. Joachim, her spouse, of Mary,
their blessed child.

There existed, in years gone by, the pious custom, among
wealthy Catholic families, of erecting and maintaining at their
own expense the various chapels in a parish church.

To ^lerpetuate or rather to revive this worthy practice in Notre-
Dame, Abbe A. Vrlois, in the name of his family, made a gift of
this chapel to ihe Church.

The attractive little statues that adorn it, represent St. Simon,
St. Stephen, St. Emily and St. Philomene, patron saints of the
donors.

chapel of the souls of PURGATORY.

It is, therefore^a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead^
that they may he loosed from sins, says the book of Macchabees,
2 Macch. XII, 46.

Notre-Dame has therefore its chapel devoted to the Souls of
Purgatory, and every morning during the month of November,
and on frequent other occasions during the year, the Holy Sa-
crifice of Mass is celebrated there, to obtain from the Almighty
the pardon and release of these suffering souls.

Few are those who on leaving this life, are worthy to enter
the realms of eternal bliss. Their souls require the purification
of Purgatory before enjoying the happiness of the sight of God ;

CHURCH OF NOTRE DAME OF MONTHEAL.

but this poriod of transition can bo lessened, by offering up, witU
that object, the Holy Sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus-Christ, by
prayer, by indulgences (1), and other meritorious olferings, such
as fasting and giving alms to the destitute.

Mrs. Alfred LaRocquo (Miss Leocadie Boucher) generously
erected this chapel, with the intention that both herself and her
family should seek and obtain through it, the precious mercies
of divine iudnlgence.

The painting is one by Minocheri, a Roman artist, and
depicts a priest offering up the Holy Sacrifice, and thereby de-
livering from Purgatorj numbers of souls who are wafted to
heaven on the wings of surrounding Angels.

The " bas-relief " (basso-relievo) on the front of the altar repre-
sents the Virgin Mary supporting in her arms the head of her
Divine Son, during the few moments that precede the sealing of
the sepulchre. Her loving gaze is blinded by tears, her heart is
broken, but still she is perfectly resigned to the will of the
Almighty. What a model to admire ! what an example to follow
for those who bewail the death of a cherished child, the loss of
a oeloved relative !

(1). Wo are frequently asked, what is an indulgence? In family life, a
child uisobeys his father : a penance is imposed, and is being carried out ; a
\/ell behaved brother prays for his forgiveness and the father grants it in
consideration of the good conduct and earnest request of the applicant ; this
father grants an indulgence.

A subject, in a kingdom, is guilty of a capital felony, and is on the way to
the scalfold : some illustrious fellow citizen whose deeds have won the gra-
titude and alfeotion of his sovereign, entreats a pardon which is granted, and
the culprit is set at liberty. This ruler has granted an indulgence.

Indulgences therefore, generally speaking, consist in the reversion upon the
guilty of the merits of the just ; and this is a fundamental element, the very
essence of Christianity.

Hence the theological definition of iho doctrine of indulgences, namely: it is
a remission of that tomporal imnibhm^'nt of sin which remains to be undergone
after the forgiveness of tiio olfence itself, a remission independant of the Sa-
crament of Penance, and obtained thrcugh the merits of Christ and of his
Saints.

Since its earliest ages, the Catholic Church has given evidence of its power
to grant indulgences. St. Paul gives us a striking proof of this in dealing with
••he incestuous Corinthian. II Corinl, II, 6-10.

IIISTOniCAL AND DESCniPTIVE NOTICE ON THE

On le.iviiig tins chapel, the visitor's attoiitioii may bo dircrtod
to Iho large crucifix near it. It is efFective in design and ex-
quisite in workmanship ; the lips, mouth and entire face of the
dying Saviour seem full of life-like and agonizing expression.

This crucifix is a mem(?nto of a most successful Mission held
during Lent of 1878, by the Redemptorist Fathers. Precious in-
dulgences are attached to it, and upon it are inscribed the words
" Sauvez votre Ame " Save thy soul !

The last chapel is that of St. Roch.

This Saint was born towards the close of the thirteenth century
at Montpellier, (France). He was justly celebrated for his holy
life, and chiefly for the miracles that holiness allowed him
to perform. He went to Rome, and banished a fatal plague
from Italy by means of the Sign of the Gross, its merits and its
power alone (1).

THE PRINCIPAL NAVE.

We have spoken of the first impressions created on entering
Notre-Dame, by the grandeur of its ornamentation borrowed
from the most magnificent cathedrals of Europe, and by the
vast proportions of this nave, the most spacious and extensive we
have heard of.

Who but must admire the groups of graceful columns rising
as it were from the ground, to support the starry dome over our
heads ? The stained glass windows (sky lights) shed a soft and
subdued radiance over the body of the Church. The center one, of
unquestionable beauty and great value,was obtained from the stu-
dio and workshops of Mr. Champigneul, at Bar-le-Duc, in France.

(1) Veneration for this sainl has extended everywhere throughout the Church
in Italy. The faithful, confident in the power of his intercession as a lover of
God, and a minister of the King of Kings, appeal to him in time of plague, in
order to obtain, through his powerful intercosssion, the merciful protection of
the Omnipotent. History is before us to show that this confidence has ever
been rewarded.

This practice of seeking the intercession of Sainls is a most legitimate one.
Catholics do not adore them, but honor them as the beioveil of God, and invoke
their mediation before the divine throne. This pious custom can be retraced
to the earliest ages of the Church, since, in the catacombs of Rome, is to be
lound, adjoining the images of Mary and the tombs of the martyrs, the ins-
cription " ora pro nobis," pray for us.

CHURCH OF NOTIlE-DAiMB OF MONTHEAL.

Twelve Angela surround the Virgin Mary, who l)ears in her
arms the Infant Jesus. They are singing her praises, and hold
scrolls or streamers on which are inscribed the most familiar
invocation^ in the litany of Loretto.

The admirable frescos, ornamenting the walls over the second
gallery, on both sides of the church, justly demand attention.

They consist of twelve paintings, illustrating as many passages
in the life of the Virgin Mary. Beginning on the l(!ft side :

The 1st represents Mary, shortly after h(;r birth, resting upon
the knees of St. Ann, and exciting the admiration of her parents.

In the 2nd, she appears as a little child receiving her first les-
sons from St. Ann.

The 3rd, represents Her presentation in the Temple.

The 4th, Her marriage with St. Joseph.

Tilt; 5lh, The Archangel Gabriel announcing the mystery of
the Incarnation.

The Gth, The Virgin Mary's visit to St. Elizabeth.

The 7th, The nativity of Jesus.

The 8th, The flight into Egypt.

The l)th, A scene of domestic life in Nazareth.

The lOth, Our Lady of Compassion.

The 1 1 th. The Assumption.

The 1 2th, Her sovereignty in heaven.

Several holy virgins, St. Agnes, St. Cecilia, etc., bearing upon
their heads crowns of glory and, in their hands, the palm of
martyrdom, proclaim her as their Queen.

The Sanctuary is raised about five steps above the level of the floor
of the church, and is divided off by a rail, that serves the purpose
of a communion table for those who receive the Holy Sacrament.
With souls purified at the tribunal of penance, rich and poor,
young and old, flock there to receive the true bread of life, the
Flesh and Blood of Jesus-Christ Our Saviour. "What closer,
happier, more glorious union could one imagine between man
and the Almighty? (1).

(1). Ego sum pants viite. Caro enim mea vere est dbus, et sanguis

metis vere est poivs. Qui manducat meam carnem et Mbit meum sanguinem,
in me manet, et Ego in illo, tlcc.

1 am (he bread of lif.' For my flesh is meat indeed and my blood is

drink in ieed. He thai ealeth my flesh and drinkeih my blood, dwellelh ia me
and I in him. St. John, ch. YI, 48, 56, 57.

IIISTOniCAr. AND DEHCIMI'TIVK NOTIOK ON THK

Resting upon one of tho right liand colnmns, at tiio entry of
the Sanctuary, is an attractive nionuniont of gilded metal. Upon
it, is placed a rare master-piece of art, a heautifnl litth^ statue of
the Immacul.'i'e Virgin, carved from the purest white marWe,
Willi a pedestal of the same material (1).

(1). A history is aUaclied to this charming Madonna. In t87'2, the t^ure of
Nolre-Dame, while on a visit lo Rome, was admitled to the prt'sence of tiie
Holy Ponliir. Anxious to obtain for liis Church, a pious image of the Blessed
Virgin, Ihat might at tho same time be a mempnto of l^iiis the IX, and en-
couraged by ihe latter's inelluble kindness and cordiality, Ihepastor of Nolre-
Damo solicited, in the name of his parishioners, the gift of this " chef-d'oeuvre "
of art, there standing in the private library of the Pope. The request was
granted, and His Holiness cheerfully added the pedestal lo his donation of the
statuette. Tho gift however was not confined to this :

Around the neck of the statue, hung a little golden cross generally worn
upon the Holy Pontilf's person, but confided hy liim to the Blessed Madonna,
in the hope of obtaining from the Queen of Heaven, the strength necessary to
bear the burden of his trials. With e.xtreme and cliaractorislio kindness,
the Pope allowed it to remain there ; and today, this cross, with its small
riband, that rested so often upon the Holy PontifTs breast, forms part of llie
treasures of Notre-Dame. Thg above is an t'xacl facsimile of the relic.

i i

CHinCH OK NOTIIE-DAME OF MONTHK/VL.

Opposite the statuette above referred to, is to be seen, placed
beneath a species of canopy, and resting upon a handsome
pedestal, the statue of St. Peter. It is a bronze copy of the one in
Rome, the feet of which are piously kissed by those among the
faithful who desire to ac(|uire the indulgences attached to this
devotional act, and in Notre-Dame fifty days of indulgence may
be gained by those who, with heartfelt love and veneration for
the Vicar of Christ on earth, thus kiss the image of St. Peter.

Christ had promised to Simon-Peter :
to. That lie should be the foundation of His Clinrch :([) Thou art
Peter, and upon this Rock I will build imj Church, and the gates of
hell shall not prevail against it. Math. XVI, 18.

2o. To make him all powerful in that Church : And I will

give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatsoever

(1) Which must be ONE.... for He has declared there should be but one
Fold, but one Shepherd, that is: one only true Church, with one Supreme
Head Peter and his Successors.. — St. John. X, 16.

HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE NOTICE ON THE

thou shall bind on earlh^ shall bs bound in Ileovcn, and whatsoever
thou '(halt loose on earth, shall be loosed in Heaven. Math. XVI, 19.

3o. He had commanded him to strengthen his brethren in
their faith : / have prayed for Ihee that thy faith fail thee not.

When therefore thou shall have been converted (from the sin of
denial) strengthen thy brethren in thtlr faith, meaning the Apostles
and all the faithful.

4o. Finally, after his resurrection, before his ascension into
heaven, Christ demanded thrice of Peter, if he loved him, and
receiving an affirmative reply from the Apostle, told him twice :
'-''feed my lambs,'' and then added, '■''feed my sheep," meaning
thereby : I give thee power to teach and to govern my faithful
followp.i and their pastors, that is, my entire Church. Thus
have these words been interpreted by the Fathers and theologians
of the earnest ages of the Christian era.

Let it not be said, says Bossuet, let it not be believed that the

mission and ministry of St. Peter were to end with him the

foundation of an ETERNAL CHURCH v^ust be in itself eternal, Peter

shall live in his successors, and his word be heard forever

(Bossuet, Sermon on Unity.)

This therefere is the reason why Catholics honor St-Peter,
and are ever so faithful to his Successor, the Holy Pontif.

THE GRAND MAIN-ALTAR. (1)

We now stand facing the main-altar, the general appearance
of which is so truly imposing. To thoroughly master its details,
one must seize the idea that inspired its erection. It was in-
tended to represent tne sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus-Christ as
foreshadowed in the signs and prophecies of the old testament.
The following is a brief synopsis :

( I) Let us say here, once for all.that the six groups of Statues, the Choirs of An-
frels and the several Bas-Reliefs of this altar, as also the Bas-reiiefs oHhe altar
of the Blessed Virgin, and of the Chapel dedicated to the Souls of purgatory,
areallmagniflcent masterpieces (chefs-d'oeuvres d'art) of sculpture " in wood."
They are the work of Bourich6, the famous Sculptor, of Angers, in France.

CHURCH OF nothe-dame of montheal.

TWO FIGURES REPRESENTING THE BLOODY
SACRIFICE OF CHRIST.

lO. THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC.

Isaac lies bound upon the wood which he carried up the
mountain, and whereon he is to be sacrificed. He willingly con-
sents to his immolation by his father Abraham. A ram, caught in
a thicket by th'^ horns, is offered up as a burnt offering in his stead.

Eighteen centuries later, Christ ascended the same Mountain,
bearing also the wood upon which he was to be sacrificed. He is
stretched upon the Cross, his head crowned with thorns. He
allows his hands and feet to be nailed, and immolates Himself
to the justice of his Father.

L-.f.kliiJwfctttiUiJS ,.'

iu.:-M3ilii!i-s

,>:i&iiiwSi*'Sas^>!t.'iil- 'MSr:-

20. A PRIEST OF THE SONS OF AARON OFFERS UP THE SACRIFICE

{named the perpetual one) of a spotless lamb.

According to Mosaic law, in the morning and evening of each
day, a spotless lamb was offered up to God.

Exodus XXIX, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42.

Tradition and the Jewish historian Josephus, teach us that
the evening oblation was at 3 P. M. Who but must perceive
that that offering was strikingly figurative of the future Sacri-
fice of Christ ? The Divine Saviour, the true spotless Victim,
allowed himself to be slain without a murmur. His sacrifice
commenced in the morning, and lasted until three o'clock in the
afternoon.

BLOODY SACRIFICE OF JBSUS-CHRIST.

Jesus-Christ, the Son of God, Eternal Word, Second Person op
THE Holy Trinity, become Man, dies aVictim for us upon the Gross.

He satisfies d:vine justice, expiates our sins, obtains
for us their pardon, and the graces necessary to reach heaven.

ft. -, 4« i ' *, i Ir if. <*'.

HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE NOTICE ON THE

This is the only, the true sacrifice by means of which the
human race has been redeemed, and of which all others, from
that of Abel to that of Christ, were but figurative.

The Blessed Virgin is there standing at the foot of the Gross,
a sword of agony piercing her very soul, while she offers her-
self up as a victim with her Divine Son. St-John, overcome by
sorrow, has turned his face away, unable longer to look upon
his Saviour, and Mary Magdalen is weeping over the sins she
has so generously expiated.

CHURCH OF NOTllE-DAME OF MONTREAL.

A FIGURE OF THE SACRIFICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST.

Melchisedech, High Priest and King of Salem, offers
UP HIS Sacrifice of Bread and Wine.

The prophecies had not only foretold that the Saviour of the
world would offer himself up as the Redeemer of our sins, by
shedding his blood and by dying for us, but had announced
moreover, io. : that He would ever remain Priest after the order
of Melchisedech, in oth'- words, that He would institute another
sacrifice, which woula be offered up, as was Melchisedech's,
under the appearances of bread and wine : Tu es sacerdos in
seternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech^ Ps. 109. 2o. : , that an
end should be to all the sacrifices under ancient law, and that

At&i

i.v'^ .IL i I A.\^ >.L^ Ubl

^iMA

„,STO«.C.t *N0 DESCB,^.VB .OT.CE 0. THE

'' Munus non suscipiam ^^^^^^ ^^^ gcntibus,Ji

t, FIGURE OF THE HOI-, covenant, he caused to
Aftev Moses had bv.U<heA.Uom^^^

ateP- ^--""''^ " ^""^SS: XVI, 33, M, (I,. ^^

life upon this .«^^/,^^' XirParadise.
.hi true promised lanu, i«

CHUUCH OF NUTIIK-DAMK Ol' MONTHKAL.

or.

'2i') HISTOniCAL AND DESCniPTIVE NOTICE ON THE

THE " Cl'^NE."
(INSTITUTION OF THK HOLY ELCHAPIST).

Oiir Lord .losiis-Christ, in liis infinite love, having partakLMi of
the pascal lamb with his Apostles, gives himself completely unto
them in Holy Communion, and establishes the sacrament of the
Eucharist. St-Matt. XXVI, 20, 27, 28.— St-Mark XIV, 22, 23, 24.
— St-Luko, XXII, 10, 20.

" For, says St-Paul, I have received from the Lord that which
also I delivered to you : that the Lord Jesus, the night in which
he was betrayed, took bread, and giving thanks, broke it and
said: Take Ye and eat; this is my body which shall be delivered
for you; do this for the commemoration of me. In like manner
He took the Chalice after he had supped, saying : this chalice is
the new testament in my blood ; this do Ye, as often as you shall
flrink it, for the commemoration of me., for as often as Yc shall eat
this bread and drink the chalice.^ you shall show the death of the
Lord until He come. But let a man prove himself and so let liim
eat of that bread and drink of the Chalice ; " for he that eateth
and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to
himself, not discerning the body of the Lord."

I Cor. XI, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

On each side of the " Cene," is a small statue.

lo. The Saintly King David,with his harp, chanting his prophe-
cy : that Christ would be for ever a Priest after the order of Melchi-
sedech. Tu cs saccrdos in xternum secundum Melchisedech. Ps. 109.

CHUUCH 01" NOTHK-DAME OK MONTHEAL.

2o. Malachias, writing his prophecy, in the words we have
above cited ; ab crtu solis usque ad occasum, etc. " From the
rising of the sun even to the going down, &c." He foretells
that all the sacrifices under Mosaic law are to be done away
with, and that but one pure and God-blessed oblation, will be
oiTered up universally, among the nations of the earth, the sa-
crifice described in the new testament, that of the Holy Eu-
charist.

Above the '• Gene " are :

lo. The Altar, upon which is daily celebrated the new and
divine sacrifice.

2o. The Tabernacle, true ark of the covenant, in which is
continually preserved the real manna from heaven, the Holy
Eucharist, Ghrist himself.

3o. On each side of the Tabernacle, are " bas-reliefs " repre-
senting Choirs of Angels and blessed Spirits adoring Ghrist there
present, with the profound respect and burning love they feel
for him. It is the Church of Heaven in union with that of
earth, combining together, to fulfil the duties of adoration, of
worship, of gratitude, of love, &c. (!).

(1). This tabernacle and the altar itself are of the finest workmanship, and
of very precious wood.

^■^1 l».«ll ii»^ljli»kl^^^t^ J ^JLr^

THE VIRGIN MARY CROWNED BY HER DIVINE SON.

This last group, representing the Virgin Mary, the noblest,
purest, holiest work of God, is symbolical of humanity redeemed
and glorified by virtue of the sacrifice. The '' bas-reliefs " are
Angels sounding the bliss, the glory of this redemption.

msToiucAr, ANt) Diiscmi'Tivi; notice on the

Near tlio arch-top abovn (in llit; rurvn of tlio vault), are
four Angols triiinipliaiUly bcariiiK lli«i iiislniniciits of our lionl's
pas'';)n, wliiln six ollioi's with ^^oldcii rcnscrs, arc otr<'riiix "P
to tht> victorious Lamb ofOod, their adoration, and the uuiltni
prayers of the Saints.

In the niches, on each side of the altar, an; statues of tho
aposth?s St. Peter and St. Paul, and of the four Kvaugelists,
wlio spread llirougliont the world the fruits and blessings of tho
divine sacrifice.

Two "bas-reliefs' at the e.xtremities of the altar, represent
two touching incidents connected with the sacrifl(!e of the Holy
Eucharist :

lo. Tho Virgin Mary, after Our Lord's ascension, receiving
Holy Goinmu lion from tho hands of the apostle St. John.

2o. St. Charles Borromeo, archbishop of Milan, administering
the Viaticum to the plague-stricken people of that city.

CHinCH OF NOTFIK HAVtE OF MONTIlKAl..

ThiiH, Ih to tit' finiiid ill ihis Alt;ir, whuliwc Itflfivo to !»• tlic
only one of its kind, lln' rt'ligioii^ history of lin' world.

Man, after tho fall, uiiahlc to cll't'ct his own rcd.-mittion, iv
ceives tln> jiromisc that a Ri;i)i:i;Mi;it will sav»» him;

A (led ht'conics incarnate, iind, assnniinp; lininan nature,
sacrifices himself for the salvation of hmiiaiiily ;

Wviu'i' the orifiin of the saci-illce revealed, at the liej^'iiinin^ of
the world to Ahel, and Iransmilled to ihe Partriarchs,lhe I'rojthi'ls
and the [leoplo of Isi-aid.

For ages, nnmherless victims are daily innnolated and oHered
n[> to the Deity ;

At last, Onr Lord .lesns Christ, the true living holocaust,
<lies upon the C<ross I

In the Sacrament of the IIo!y Kncharisl, Our Saviour i)cr-
peliiates his sacrifice ; a sacritlce that is, and shall he otFered
up, throughout the entire world, and till the end of time.

The iiropUecies are accomplished, the figures realizo'l, the
sacrifices of ancient law aholished ;

Hut Christianity (Miahles us to offer to the Almighty, the
Jionnnago worthy of Mis infinite Majesty ; and its heliovers, strong
in the faith of that God they receive in Holy Communion, are fully
prepared to encounter the vicissitudes of life, to triumph over
its passions and teniptations, and to secure eternal liappiness.
Glory he to God, world without end !

The decoration of this church was commenced about ten
years ago. All the oil paintings, tht; gildings, and other orna-

mentations, are

of finished, solid and lasting workmanship,

and made out of the best materials.

The Main-Altar, its groups of statues and its " bas-reliefs " are
a gift of the Seminary of St. Sulnice of Montreal. The faithful,
by tiieir subscriptions and ,.. is offerings, have defrayed the
expense of the remainder. Tht/ have already paid over $75,000.

In this,as in many other instances, French-Canadian generosity
has not been found wanting.

Rich and poor, old and young, in every class and pecuniary

•

HISTOniCAL AND DESCRIPTITE NOTICE ON THE

condition of society, have furnished touching evidence of piety
and benevolence.

As a token of gratitude, the Pastor and Church-Wardens of
Notre-Dame, with the approval of His Lordship the Bishop of
Montreal, have established the invariable custom of celebrating/
at the Main-Altar, on Easter Monday of eveiy year, a High-Mass,
on behalf of the benefactors of the Church.

i t

To finish the decoration of this Church, important additions
remain to be completed, such as a portion of the Baptismal
Chapel, a new Pulpit of the gi-andest style, the organ Case, the
decoration of the lower gallery, «kc. ; all these, and several other
ornamentations, intended to be done as soon as means allow,
will greatly add to the magniticence of the general appearance
of this grand Monument.

JAMES (TDONNELL.

To the genius of this celebrated man is due the architecture
of this glorious temple, erected to the Almighty. It stands as" a
lasting tribute to his distinguished ability. His constant inter-
course with the Reverend Gentlemen of the Seminary of St.
Sulpice, had rendered his life one of singular devotion to the
Catholic Church, to which he became a convert, and his dying
wish has been complied with : his remains rest beneath his
greatest work, within the vault of Notre-Dame.

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