On January 6, 1643, Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve erected a cross on Mount Royal. 375 years later, we invite you to walk with us up to this cross, on Saturday, January 6, to commemorate this remarkable and significant event in Montreal’s history!

This pilgrimage will begin at the esplanade of the Mount Royal Chalet at noon.

The Archbishop of Montreal, Most Reverend Christian Lépine, will lead the walk and then preside at a Liturgy of the Word once everyone has assembled before the cross. This historic walk is expected to last approximately 40 minutes.
 
N.B.: In the event of inclement weather, the walk may be cancelled.

Did you know?

• The giant illuminated cross was erected in tribute to the structure built by Paul de Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve, in 1643. When faced with the petrifying prospect of our city flooding, the Governor of Montreal prayed to the Virgin Mary to save his new colony when it faced such a disaster. In exchange for divine protection, he promised to build a cross at the summit of Mont Royal if the city escaped unscathed. A few days later, De Maisonneuve followed through on that promise.
• Thanks to commemorative stamps sold at 5 cents a piece, local volunteers amassed $10,000 to put towards the creation of the cross.
• The cross faces the east side of the city ever so slightly, as a tribute to the city's francophone population.
• The structure is 33 meters tall and that its summit reaches an altitude of 251 meters.
• It is visible from 80 kilometers away on a clear day.
• Its metallic structure is composed of 1830 pieces.

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