Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Saint André of Montreal

October 30, 2010


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Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following statement today at a reception honouring the canonization of Saint André of Montreal:

"Your Eminence, Cardinal Turcotte, Archbishop of Montreal; Father Grou, Rector of St. Joseph's Oratory; Your Honour, Mr Duchesne, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec; Premier Charest; Your Worship Mayor Tremblay; Mr Circé of Les Caisses Desjardins, and Mr Savoie of the Knights of Columbus, Ladies and gentlemen.

"First of all, I want to thank Your Eminence for inviting me to take part in this wonderful celebration today. I was truly impressed by the mass honouring Saint André of Montreal, attended by over 50,000 people, including thousands of young people, which would make many rock bands very jealous.

"Saint André Bessette would no doubt be a little uncomfortable with all this attention. But it is well deserved. This great Eucharistic celebration showcases Canadians' attachment, here in Quebec and throughout the country, to this man of unshakeable faith who devoted his life to the sick and the homeless.

"Saint André from Montreal is revered, not only across our country, but around the world. Pilgrims travel thousands of kilometres to visit, what many would consider one of his biggest accomplishments, the erection of the magnificent St. Joseph's Oratory, which I visited this morning.

"The lengthy construction of St. Joseph's Oratory, one of the most visited sites in Canada, symbolizes Saint André's devotion to St. Joseph, and is eloquent testimony to his unwavering determination. I note that in his youth, he had to leave his family to go earn his living in New England. But his destiny was to be quite different. After the birth of Confederation in 1867, he chose to come back home to Canada, to Quebec, here in Montreal. And that was when he decided to consecrate his life to God. His return to his home province marked the beginning of a long chapter in his life, which was to be forever engraved in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.

"Possessed of a simple faith in the power of God to do far more than men or women ask or imagine, Brother André has become an icon.

"Brother André was orphaned at the tender age of 12. He could barely read or write. But through his faith in God, he managed to accomplish great things. For some, his life is an example of how faith can move mountains. For others, he is a source of great inspiration. And for all of us, he is a great man, a great Quebecer, a great Canadian.

"Thank you."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Backgrounder

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

October 30, 2010
Montreal, Quebec

Perched high on the northern slope of Montreal's Mount Royal, Saint Joseph's Oratory is a vast Roman Catholic pilgrimage centre that attracts travellers from around the world. The copper-domed basilica, which dominates the landmark site, overlooks the city and can be seen for several kilometres around. Pilgrims and tourists who visit Mount Royal come through a gated entryway and walk along a sacred path, the Way of the Cross and the gardens that lead to the basilica.

In addition to being a renowned spiritual and tourist destination, the Oratory also has great historic value. Its original building, a small chapel, was built between 1904 and 1912 and was expanded with the assistance of many great architects throughout the first half of the 20th century. In 2005, the Oratory was added to the list of National Historic Sites.

Today, the site is perhaps best known for its founder, Brother André, who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on October 17, 2010. He is the second Canadian-born saint in our country's history and the first Canadian man to be canonized.

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan's National Historic Sites of Canada Cost-Sharing Program, the government contributed $425,000 in 2009–2010 and will contribute up to $425,000 in 2010–2011 to support restoration work at Saint Joseph's Oratory. These funds will allow the repair of the copper roofs on the basilica's four turrets and the surrounding stone masonry walls.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PM pays tribute to Saint André of Montreal

Visits Saint Joseph's Oratory and Attends Thanksgiving Mass

October 30, 2010
Montreal, Quebec

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today attended a thanksgiving mass at Montreal's Olympic Stadium in honour of the canonization of Brother André. The Prime Minister also paid tribute to this remarkable Canadian by visiting Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, which recently received additional government support for vital restoration work.

"For many, his life is an example of how faith can move mountains. For others, he is a source of profound inspiration. We all recognize that he was a great man, a great Quebecer and a great Canadian."

Brother André was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on October 17, 2010. He is the second Canadian-born saint in our country's history and the first Canadian man to be canonized.

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan's National Historic Sites of Canada Cost-Sharing Program, the Harper government is providing support for restoration work at Saint Joseph's Oratory. These funds will make it possible to repair the copper roofs on the basilica's four turrets and the surrounding stone masonry walls.

Approximately two million people visit St. Joseph's Oratory — where Brother André is entombed — every year.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Media Advisory

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Public events for October 31, 2010

October 30, 2010
Ottawa, Ontario

Public event for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Sunday October 31st is:

Ottawa

6:30 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen will host children for Halloween at 24 Sussex.

24 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario

*Photo opportunity only (cameras and photographers only)

NOTES:

• Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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