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PRESENTATION
History
The present-day Basilica was built to replace the first Basilica that was destroyed by fire on March 29, 1922.
Architecture
Two architects, Mr. Maxime Roisin of Paris and Mr. Louis N. Audet of Sherbrooke, worked for several years on the design and construction of this church. The construction began on July 6, 1923 and there are still parts that have not yet been finalized even today.
Like many churches, it was constructed in the form of a Latin cross. It is Neo-Romanesque in style, respecting the Roman style of architecture but using more modern techniques. It rests on solid rock. The granite used came from the quarry at Saint-Sébastien, in Beauce, QC.
Mosaics
The Basilica's central vault is completely covered with a series of mosaic dedicated to Saint Anne. Her life is portrayed in the vault of the central nave and of the two transepts. Her virtues are written on the part of the vault where the nave meets the transepts. Her glorification is depicted in the apse (vault of the Basilica's sanctuary). These mosaics are the works of Mr. Auguste Labouret.
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Stained-Glass Windows
An ensemble of 240 stained-glass windows adorn the Basilica. They represent Christ, his apostles and disciples, as well as prophets and patriarchs who announced His coming. They also tell us of the history of devotion to Saint Anne here in the province of Quebec and as it spread throughout North America. Here's what architect Mr. Audet has to say about these stained-glass windows:
"Saint Anne's stained-glass windows are of a new kind in North America, for very few glass-painters have succeeded in mastering this art. The glass used in these windows must be perfectly clear and luminous in pieces one-inch thick and set, not in lead, but in reinforced concrete. The edges are chipped away with a hammer. Chipped in this manner, the glass pieces present numerous glittering facets ever twinkling in the sun. I dare say that these stained-glass windows are the best that have ever been produced since the Middle Ages. They are the work of Mr. Auguste Labouret, who invented this new technique."
The 26 stained-glass windows in the ambulatory consist of relatively thin glass set in lead strips.
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Sculptures
Two renowned sculptors shared the main sculpting work of the Basilica. First, there was Mr. Émile Brunet, renowned for his stone sculptures, particularly the capitals found atop each column in the church. These capitals, that portray the life of Christ, are considered pure works of art. Mr. Franz Moroder worked on the wooden sculpting, for instance the pews found in the nave and the 51 statuettes found on the pews in the sanctuary.
The chapel of Saint Anne, that of the Holy Family and the 10 ambulatory chapels.
These chapels form a top-quality artistic ensemble: mosaics, marble of various colours, stone, and granite come together in harmony to create a place of peace, beauty, and prayer.
Organs
Constructed by Casavant & Frères of Saint-Hyacinthe, it includes 44 stops. It was completely restored in 1988.
Church Bells
The Basilica's set of bells is composed of nine bells, six of which were installed in the south tower and three, the heaviest bells, which were installed in the north tower. The total weight of the bells is 43,087 pounds. Each one has a name:
- Angelica: sol
- Jesus: la
- Mary: ti
- Anne: do
- Joachim: re
- Joseph: mi
- John the Baptist: fa
- Alphonsus: sol
- Patrick: la
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