Montreal’s iconic St. Joseph’s Oratory faces damage as thrill-seekers climb for social media fame
Montreal: A popular landmark is facing some serious issues lately. St. Joseph’s Oratory, a beautiful Catholic shrine, is attracting a new crowd. These aren’t your typical visitors; they’re urban explorers looking to climb the iconic dome.
Since last summer, the oratory has seen a rise in trespassers, especially young folks eager to scale the cross on top of the dome. It seems social media is fueling this trend, with climbers sharing their daring feats online.
Céline Barbeau, the oratory’s spokesperson, mentioned that this isn’t just a one-off thing. People are breaking in almost every weekend, and it’s becoming a real problem. The oratory is a well-known spot, and climbing it is seen as a bold challenge.
St. Joseph’s Oratory is a significant site, sitting on Mount Royal. Many pilgrims visit, some even climbing the 99 steps on their knees. The basilica has a rich history, with construction starting in the early 1900s and the dome being one of the largest in the world.
Recently, a group of teens broke in and caused some damage, even stealing a security camera. Thankfully, the organ was left unharmed, but it’s a wake-up call for the staff. Barbeau expressed concern about the risks involved, especially if someone were to fall from the cross.
Montreal police have already arrested a few teens involved and are on the lookout for others. The oratory has security measures in place, but the area is vast, making it tough to catch everyone.
Social media has played a big role in this trend. Videos of climbers on the cross have been popping up, showing people taking risks for likes and shares. A former urban explorer shared his thoughts, saying the thrill-seeking culture has changed, and it’s disappointing to see places like the oratory being vandalized.
He mentioned that the spirit of urban exploration used to be about respect for the sites, but now it seems more about gaining attention online. It’s a shame that this beautiful landmark is caught in the middle of it all.