MEDIA INVITATION - Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal's impressive carillon is back from France after a major restoration

MONTRÉAL, June 15, 2023 /CNW/ - Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal will celebrate the return of its impressive carillon after a major restoration at Fonderie Paccard in France that started in 2019. The bells were originally cast for the Eiffel Tower but were instead loaned to the Oratory in 1955 before being donated as a gift. The carillon is the only instrument of its kind in Québec and is a major part of our cultural heritage.

In addition to the 56 initial bells, the carillon will have six new bells, including a bourdon, the heaviest one. This addition was made possible thanks to a successful fundraising campaign. The 62 bells vary in weight from 5 kg to 3,600 kg, for a total weight of 19,000 kg.

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal invites you to a bell blessing ceremony with Father Patrick Vézina, CSC., Director of the Associates of Brother André; Andrée-Anne Doane, Titular Carillonist; Cyril Paccard, from Fonderie Paccard; and Oratory donors and staff.

The bells will be placed temporarily in a structure close to the outdoor parvis in front of the Crypt Church. The public is invited to get a close-up look on June 17 and 18 before they're installed in the bell tower.

WHAT:	Carillon bell blessing ceremony
	Photos, videos and interviews
WHEN:	Saturday, June 17, 2023, 11:00 a.m.
	Please RSVP.
WHO:	Father Patrick Vézina, CSC., Director of the Associates of Brother André
	Andrée-Anne Doane, Titular Carillonist
	Cyril Paccard, Fonderie Paccard
WHERE:	On the outer terrace in front of the Crypt Church of Saint‐Joseph's Oratory of Mount‐Royal
	3800 Queen Mary Road, Level 1, Montréal
	Due to construction, parking is accessible via Cedar Crescent

SOURCE Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

or to arrange an interview or RSVP, please contact: André Fortin / Mylène Forget, Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations, Cell: 514-928-3828 / 514-266-2156, [email protected] / [email protected]