What a beautiful, majestic church! This is Canada's largest church and a pilgrimage site that was built in a span of 60 years following the vision of Saint André Bessette, C.S.C., who healed thousands of people during his life and to whom at least 2 million pilgrims still offer up thir prayers every year.
The basilica is up on a hill and there is a beautiful and scenic stairway completely worth the walk to the top. Many pilgrims climb the stairs on their knees.
This is the world's largest church dedicated to Saint Joseph, to whom Brother André credited all his reported miracles. There is a huge display wall covered with thousands of crutches from those who came to the Oratoire and were healed, at the point that Brother André in 1982 was canonized saint a few years ago. The visit takes a few hours as there is a lot to see.
There is a room with thousands of candles and a museum dedicated to Brother André, where it is possible to see his heart, which he requested as a protection for the basilica. I felt in awe at seeing so many people paying their respects.
The view from the top is breathtaking but I would suggest getting here very early in the morning, since there are always too many visitors.