MONTREAL — St. Joseph's Oratory, a prominent Catholic shrine and landmark in Montreal, has recently seen a rise in the number of urban explorers trespassing onto its grounds. These urban adventurers, often young individuals, are drawn to the site by social media posts showcasing daring climbs, particularly one that involves scaling the cross atop the church's massive dome.
According to Céline Barbeau, a spokesperson for the oratory, attempts to illegally access the dome have become almost a weekend occurrence since last summer. The oratory, which is the highest point in Montreal, has become a target due to its status as an iconic structure that many people recognize, making the act of climbing its dome and cross an appeal for thrill-seekers seeking to showcase their exploits online.
St. Joseph's Oratory, located on the slope of Mount Royal, has long been a site for pilgrims, with some opting to climb the church's 99 wooden steps on their knees. The first chapel was established on the site in 1904, followed by the basilica, whose construction began in 1924. The dome, one of the largest globally, had its construction start in 1937, while the cross, standing at 97 meters tall, was consecrated in 1941.
Recently, a group of teenagers broke into the oratory, reaching the organ loft for the first time, causing damage to several doors and stealing a security camera. Although the organ itself remained unharmed, Barbeau expressed concern over the potential dangers posed by such activities, emphasizing that a fall from the cross could be fatal. She noted that these trespasses not only endanger the explorers but also result in criminal damage, urging them to stop engaging in such risky behavior.
Authorities, including Montreal police, have started to take notice, arresting a 14-year-old and two 15-year-olds during one recent incident while searching for three others who escaped. Barbeau indicated that, despite having security guards and cameras present 24/7, the large area of the oratory makes it challenging to monitor all unauthorized entries effectively.
Social media has amplified the issue, with individuals posting videos of their climbs. In one recent Instagram video, three climbers were seen clinging to the cross in the middle of a snowstorm, highlighting the risky behavior being glorified. Former urban explorer Felixshots, who climbed the oratory in 2019, pointed out that while urban exploration is an established hobby, it has shifted significantly due to the rise of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, pushing some towards vandalism and disrespect for property.
He criticized the current trend of urban exploration, which he feels has been tainted by a mentality of seeking social media fame at the cost of safety and respect for heritage sites. He mentioned other popular climbing spots in Montreal, noting that the lack of surveillance and consequences for climbers often emboldens reckless behavior. Disenchanted with the new wave of explorers driven by social media fame, he decided to abandon his hobbies, lamenting the loss of a once respectful approach to exploration.
This concerning trend at St. Joseph's Oratory reflects a broader societal issue where the quest for online recognition can overshadow the appreciation of cultural and historical landmarks. As calls for awareness and consequences grow, the oratory community hopes to restore respect for such revered sites and appeal to potential explorers to recognize the associated risks.
