The Cathedral of Montreal has two names: Saint-Jacques and Marie-Reine du Monde. It is said to be the third largest church in Quebec. Bishop Ignace Bourget, second Bishop of the city, chose to build a replica of the Papal Basilica in scaled model, approximately one-third of that of Rome. Due to our winters, some architectural elements have been omitted. The construction began in 1875 and the consecration took place in 1894. Originally known as Cathedral Saint-Jacques, Pie XII formally recognized it under its current name. The Cathedral became a minor Basilica in 1919.
Those who go to Rome may see statues of the twelve apostles on the façade of the Basilica. In Montreal, there are thirteen copper statues of saints given by parishes. Inside the Cathedral, certain elements of the Vatican are also reproduced, for example the canopy on top of the altar. Many paintings recount the history of Montreal. A chapel contains the remains of the Bishops of the city as well as a recumbent effigy of Bishop Bourget.
The Canadian Zouaves who participated in the crusade to defent the Papal States are engraved on several marble plates. One hundred thirty-five young men enrolled in 1868. There was a total of more than five hundred of them but only three hundred eighty eight went in Italy. The Zouave Association, founded in 1899, worn the 1868 uniform and weapons until the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1984. They used to accompany all catholic and nationalist celebrations until that moment. But with the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s, the Association has gradually declined and exists no more.
The organ was originally built by the Casavant Brothers. Redesigned several times, it has now four keyboards and eighty-seven stops. Bach would be delighted to play on it.
On the right side of the façade of the building, a monument was erected to honor Bishop Bourget. On one of the basic scenes, the Bishop can be seen visiting Canadian Zouaves in an Italy camp.
In 2006, the Federal Government has proclaimed the Basilica Marie-Reine-du-Monde “national historic site of Canada”.
