Shedding Winter

Shedding Winter, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Unseasonably warm temperatures are chasing the snow away. In many places grass can be seen. It's that dirty season, when the snow melts and the soot and dirt of winter remains. But the sun feels warm and walking with an open coat feels liberating.

Day 229: The Oratory

Day 229: The Oratory, originally uploaded by susanvg.

St. Joseph's Oratory dominates the skyline in the western part of Montreal. Montreal is a city of churches and this is its largest. The building went up because of Brother André. According to the website of the oratory, about two million people visit yearly. This helps defray the huge cost of maintaining a structure of this size.

The number of people in Montreal going to churches on a regular basis has diminished. A number of churches have found new uses - turned into condominiums, a dance performance space, a library. Others share their space as concert venues, community centres etc. Still others have been sold to other religious groups and are serving a different population. I am all for a more secular society, inclusive of all people. However, these buildings played a part in the architectural history and social history of our city. I wonder if we can preserve this heritage through finding even more uses that are inclusive, reflecting the more multi-cultural face of Montreal.