{"id":333,"date":"2026-07-31T08:44:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T12:44:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/?page_id=333"},"modified":"2026-10-04T16:00:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T20:00:57","slug":"history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/archdiocese\/our-history\/history\/","title":{"rendered":"History"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"590\" height=\"332\" src=\"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/carte_postale_sm_marie-reine-du-monde2_0-590x332_0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/carte_postale_sm_marie-reine-du-monde2_0-590x332_0.jpg 590w, https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/carte_postale_sm_marie-reine-du-monde2_0-590x332_0-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To speak of the history of the Diocese of Montreal is to speak of heritage, of the handing on of the faith in a new colony. This history must be linked to that of the colony of New France and to the founding of Ville-Marie, since it was on these lands and with these settlers that the Church in Montreal was born.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-intro wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<section class=\"menu-tabs aligndefault\"\n>\n  <div class=\"menu-tabs__outer tabs-swiper\">\n    <div class=\"menu-tabs__wrapper\" id=\"tabsMenu\">\n    <!-- The navigation links will be automatically generated here by front-menu-tabs.js -->\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading anchor\">Our founding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">1836-1840<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>First Bishop of Montreal \u2014 Bishop Jean-Jacques Lartigue<\/strong><br>When the Diocese of Montreal was created in 1836, Bishop Jean-Jacques Lartigue became its first titular bishop, after long and painful difficulties arising from the stormy relations he had with his fellow Sulpicians. He knew the diocese entrusted to him thoroughly, having served since 1820 as auxiliary bishop and vicar general for the district of Montreal, suffragan to the Bishop of Quebec, Bishop Plessis. He is remembered for his interest in education and for the wisdom he showed during the political turmoil of 1837-1838.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1836<\/strong> &#8211; Signing of the bull establishing the diocese by Pope Gregory XVI.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">1840-1876<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Second Bishop of Montreal \u2014 Bishop Ignace Bourget<\/strong><br>Bishop Ignace Bourget\u2019s pastoral work unfolded in a social, cultural and political context that was constantly in ferment. He invited to the country several religious communities (of men and women) active in Europe and supported four women\u2019s religious communities founded here. He established major charitable works such as the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and took part in founding the Banque de la Cit\u00e9 et du District de Montr\u00e9al (now Laurentian Bank) to promote the economic well-being of workers. He was an ardent promoter of lay involvement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arrival of religious communities:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1841<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Arrival of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1844<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Arrival of the Religious of the Sacred Heart<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1847<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Arrival of the Fathers, Brothers and Sisters of Holy Cross<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1865<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Arrival of the Brothers of Charity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1875<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Arrival of the Carmelites<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1875<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Arrival of the White Fathers of Africa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Religious communities founded here:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1843<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sisters of Providence (\u00c9milie Gamelin)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1843<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (Eulalie Durocher)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1848<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sisters of Misericordia (Rosalie Cadron-Jett\u00e9)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1848<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sisters of Saint Anne (Esther Blondin)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key events:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1840<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; The Sulpicians are entrusted with the formation of the clergy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1841<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Launch of \u201cM\u00e9langes religieux,\u201d which would become the \u201cSemaine Religieuse\u201d (and later \u201cVivre en \u00c9glise\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1847<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Establishment of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1870<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Laying of the cornerstone of the future Cathedral of Montreal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">1876-1896<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Third Bishop and First Archbishop of Montreal \u2014 Archbishop \u00c9douard-Charles Fabre<\/strong><br>Early in his ministry, Archbishop Fabre showed a lively mind, a gift for oratory and great composure. Without an auxiliary bishop, he ordained 210 priests for his diocese and 820 others for Canadian or American dioceses, all trained at the Grand S\u00e9minaire de Montr\u00e9al. During an economic crisis, he came to the aid first of poor parishes and then of the unemployed, organizing a collection throughout the diocese and promoting settlement of new regions together with Father Labelle. In 1889, he obtained from Rome that the Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al become almost independent of Universit\u00e9 Laval.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arrival of religious communities:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1881<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; The Trappists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1884<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; The Redemptorists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1886<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; The Marist Brothers, the Brothers of Christian Instruction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1887<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; The Little Sisters of the Poor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1888<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; The Brothers of Saint Gabriel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1890<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; The Fathers of the Blessed Sacrament, the Montfort Missionaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1894<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; The Montfort Missionaries, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">1897-1940<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fourth Bishop and Second Archbishop of Montreal<\/strong><strong> \u2014 Archbishop Paul Bruch\u00e9si<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1922-1939<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Coadjutor Bishop Georges Gauthier<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1939-1940<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Fifth Bishop and Third Archbishop of Montreal, Archbishop Georges Gauthier<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Archbishop Paul Bruch\u00e9si<\/strong><br>Archbishop Paul Bruch\u00e9si was known for his keen intelligence, his open-mindedness, his eloquence and his love of the Church. He established 63 parishes and published several pastoral letters and mandements, notably on justice, the labour question, peace and marriage.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1904<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Founding of Saint Joseph\u2019s Oratory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1910<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; 20th International Eucharistic Congress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1919<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Autonomous status for the Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al, ad experimentum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fifth Bishop and Third Archbishop of Montreal \u2014 Archbishop Georges Gauthier<\/strong><br>Archbishop Gauthier\u2019s episcopate was very brief (one year). Having served as Archbishop Bruch\u00e9si\u2019s coadjutor for 18 years, he knew the diocese well and proved to be a pastor of great wisdom with an exceptional gift for oratory. He took an interest in the education of young women. Between 1920 and 1923, as rector of the Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al, he established a Faculty of Arts, a Faculty of Science and the School of Social, Economic and Political Sciences. On the social level, he was one of the first promoters of Catholic trade unionism. During his episcopate, he created 37 parishes, welcomed 17 religious communities and canonically erected four.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1924<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Final independence of the Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1927<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Coll\u00e8ge Andr\u00e9-Grasset<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1929<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Externat classique Sainte-Croix<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Religious communities founded here:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1923<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1925<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Society of Foreign Missions (Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 des Missions-\u00c9trang\u00e8res)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1929<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Franciscan Oblates of Saint Joseph<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1929<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Daughters of Reparation of the Divine Heart<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-5&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-5\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">1940-1950<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-5\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sixth Bishop and Fourth Archbishop of Montreal \u2014 Archbishop Joseph Charbonneau<\/strong><br>Archbishop Charbonneau\u2019s episcopate opened the second century of our diocese\u2019s history. He wrote a major document on Catholic Action in which he expressed his confidence in young people and the laity. In 1941, he conferred episcopal ordination on Bishop Lawrence Patrick Whelan, who became the first English-speaking bishop of the diocesan curia of Montreal. He founded the \u0152uvre des vocations and took a special interest in teacher training as well as in the family, the little ones and the poor. It was during the famous asbestos strike (1949) that he best showed his attachment to workers. His surprise resignation, requested by the Vatican in 1950, brought a premature end to the episcopate of this pastor beloved by his priests and faithful.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1940<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Opening of the School of Social Work, Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1941<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; \u00c9cole normale secondaire (teacher-training school)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1943<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Founding of the \u0152uvre des vocations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1949<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Intervention on behalf of the asbestos workers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-6&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-6-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-6\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">1950-1967<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-6\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-6-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Seventh Bishop and Fifth Archbishop of Montreal \u2014 Cardinal Paul-\u00c9mile L\u00e9ger<\/strong><br>In 1950, Archbishop L\u00e9ger became Archbishop of Montreal. A flamboyant and prolific figure, he created the radio program \u201cLe chapelet en famille\u201d (The Family Rosary) and founded the Foyer de charit\u00e9 and the Saint-Charles-Borrom\u00e9e Hospital. From 1952, he established diocesan bodies such as the Diocesan Bible Course Service and the Inquiry Forum (today the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism). In December 1953, he convened a diocesan synod. The following years were marked by the Great Mission (1960) and the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). In November 1967, he announced his resignation and became a missionary in Cameroon. His presence in the Church and in society found expression in more than 5,000 addresses, homilies and speeches delivered in the most varied settings.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1950<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; \u201cLe chapelet en famille\u201d (The Family Rosary)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1951<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Founding of the Foyer de charit\u00e9<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1955<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Saint-Charles-Borrom\u00e9e Hospital<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1951<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Diocesan Bible Course Service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1963<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Canadian Centre for Ecumenism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-7&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-7-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-7\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">1968-1990<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-7\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-7-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Eighth Bishop and Sixth Archbishop of Montreal \u2014 Cardinal Paul Gr\u00e9goire<\/strong><br>Archbishop Paul Gr\u00e9goire became Archbishop of Montreal shortly after the resignation of Cardinal Paul-\u00c9mile L\u00e9ger. His episcopate was marked by the implementation of the Second Vatican Council in a society in the midst of the Quiet Revolution. He structured the diocesan curia: he was the man of major diocesan pastoral projects and of sacramental renewal. We owe him: training sessions for priests (the Rome Program); the Permanent Diaconate Service; and the creation of the Maison du P\u00e8re, the Missionary Pastoral Service and the Diocesan Committee on the Status of Women.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1968<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Creation of the Diocesan Catechumenate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1969<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Creation of the Presbyteral Council<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1971<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Creation of the Bishop\u2019s Executive, which became the Episcopal Council<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1972<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Creation of the Pastoral Council<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1975<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Creation of the Council of Religious<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1976<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Appointment of the first episcopal vicars<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1980<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Creation of the Office of the Family<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1981<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; R\u00e9sidence Ignace-Bourget<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading anchor\">Religious heritage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Montreal, city of a hundred steeples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This expression is attributed to the American writer Mark Twain, who used it to describe Montreal during his first visit to the city in 1888. He declared: \u201cThis is the first time I was ever in a city where you couldn\u2019t throw a brick without breaking a church window.\u201d The Archdiocese of Montreal has 207 churches today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among them are many heritage churches throughout its territory that you can discover, whether old or modern. Five (5) churches have been designated National Historic Sites of Canada. Fifteen (15) churches have protected status under Quebec\u2019s Cultural Heritage Act. Finally, two (2) churches have been cited by the municipality under the powers granted to it by that same Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the past, cities and their neighbourhoods grew up around churches. The churches are still there today, witnesses to our living heritage. They are places where people gather to celebrate, commemorate, believe and say farewell, but also places of rest where one can come into the presence of God. From a heritage perspective, we often say that the steeple serves as a landmark, but it is more than that: it is like a lighthouse in the City that shows us the Way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are fortunate to be the custodians of an extraordinary heritage: the visible presence of the Church of Jesus Christ in the City. It is to serve this visibility that we work. These are not just stones; preserving this heritage allows us to provide a roof for the Gospel and for the community, and to work at handing on the faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heritage also leads to religious tourism, which responds to the desire to discover, to learn, to meet others and to contemplate what is beautiful. \u201cTourism is a value in itself, and not a mere act of consumption,\u201d wrote John Paul II. Benedict XVI also said: \u201cThe way of beauty is a path to God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>To go further<\/strong> :<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Explore the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.diocesemontreal.org\/microsites\/375vm\/croix-de-chemin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pilgrimage of the wayside crosses<\/a> (in French)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Download the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diocesemontreal.org\/en\/resources\/mobile-app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">diocese\u2019s mobile app<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discover the Ulysses guide: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.guidesulysse.com\/catalogue\/Montreal-Un-patrimoine-religieux-a-decouvrir-Art-de-Vivre-Ulysse,9782894644355,produit.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Montr\u00e9al, un patrimoine religieux \u00e0 d\u00e9couvrir<\/a> (in French)<\/p>\n\n\n<section class=\"quick-access-block alignwide\"\n>\n      <div class=\"quick-access-block__inner\">\n                  <a class=\"quick-access-block__tile-item\" href=\"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/archidiocese\/notre-histoire\/histoire\/eveques-saintete\/\">\n          <div class=\"quick-access-block__tiles\">\n                          <i class=\"icon icon-eglise\"><\/i>\n                        <div class=\"quick-access-block__tiles-content\">\n                              <h4 class=\"quick-access-block__tile-title\">Our Bishops<\/h4>\n                                            <div class=\"quick-access-block__tile-text wysiwyg\"><p>Since 1836, nine bishops or archbishops have provided pastoral leadership for the diocese.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                            <div class=\"quick-access-block__tile-link\">\n                Our Bishops              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/a>\n                            <a class=\"quick-access-block__tile-item\" href=\"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/archidiocese\/notre-histoire\/histoire\/eveques-saintete\/\">\n          <div class=\"quick-access-block__tiles\">\n                          <i class=\"icon icon-bible\"><\/i>\n                        <div class=\"quick-access-block__tiles-content\">\n                              <h4 class=\"quick-access-block__tile-title\">Holiness in Montreal<\/h4>\n                                          <div class=\"quick-access-block__tile-link\">\n                La saintet\u00e9 \u00e0 Montr\u00e9al              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/find-a-church\/\">Find a church<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/sacraments-christian-initiation\/becoming-catholic\/find-a-parish\/\">Trouver une paroisse<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To speak of the history of the Diocese of Montreal is to speak of heritage, of the handing on of&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":335,"menu_order":46,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-333","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=333"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/333\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2978,"href":"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/333\/revisions\/2978"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/335"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/diocesemontreal.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}