by The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is located in the old section of Montreal, Canada, right off the harbor.
The original chapel was built in the 17th Century at the urging of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700), the first teacher in Montreal.
The original building burned in 1754; the current chapel, built on the remains, dates from 1771.
The chapel became a pilgrimage for sailors arriving and departing in the port, who visited the chapel to make offerings for safe sea voyages. Gifts of carved wooden ships holding votives hang from the vaulted ceilings –– definitely a unique thing to see in a church! Because of these items, the chapel is often referred to as “the Sailors’ Church.”
The site also includes a small museum on Marguerite Bourgeoys and her service to residents in early Montreal, a view of excavations in the crypt, and the opportunity to climb up the spire and go out on an observation deck.
We did all of these things on our visit to the chapel, and then returned the next day to hear a Christmas concert. It was all in French, so we have no idea what was said or sung, but the voices harmonizing in the church did sound absolutely lovely.
