Cathedral Basilica of St Boniface
Canada·Winnipeg·Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Boniface
The Cathedral Basilica of St Boniface is the principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Boniface, serving the eastern part of Manitoba, Canada. Originally a log building constructed in 1818, it has been rebuilt and expanded multiple times, with the current structure incorporating the façade of a 1906 cathedral destroyed by fire in 1968. It was elevated to the status of Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1949.
Key Facts
- ›The first church on the site was built in 1818 by Rev. Norbert Provencher.
- ›The first cathedral was constructed in 1832 and destroyed by fire in 1860.
- ›A second stone cathedral was built in 1862 and completed with a bell tower eight years later.
- ›The current façade is from a cathedral dedicated on August 15, 1906.
- ›A significant fire in 1968 destroyed much of the 1906 structure.
- ›Pope Pius XII designated it a Minor Basilica on June 10, 1949.
Romanesque
Boniface
Jean-Omer Marchand, éTienne Gaboury, Denis Lussier
About Cathedral Basilica of St Boniface
The Cathedral Basilica of St Boniface, known in French as Cathédrale Saint-Boniface, stands as a significant religious and historical landmark in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It serves as the principal church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Boniface, ministering to the eastern portion of Manitoba and the local Franco-Manitoban community. Situated prominently at 190 avenue de la Cathédrale, the basilica faces the Red River, with The Forks in Downtown Winnipeg visible across the water.
History and Development
The origins of the Cathedral Basilica of St Boniface trace back to 1818 when Rev. Norbert Provencher and two associates erected the first church on land donated by the Hudson's Bay Company. This initial log structure, measuring 50 by 30 feet, served a multi-purpose role as a chapel, residence, and school before being replaced by a larger building. Bishop Provencher subsequently constructed the first cathedral in 1832.
This early cathedral met its end in a fire on December 14, 1860. In response, Bishop Taché secured funds to rebuild the cathedral in stone, a project completed in 1862, with its bell tower finished eight years later. By the turn of the 20th century, the growing Catholic population, largely of French heritage, necessitated a larger edifice. Local contractors Senecal and Smith were commissioned to build a new cathedral based on plans by Montreal architect Jean-Omer Marchand. This imposing structure was dedicated on August 15, 1906.
Tragedy struck again on July 22, 1968, when a fire ravaged the 1906 cathedral, destroying its rose window, vestments, bells, and parish records, leaving only the façade, sacristy, and original walls. A new, smaller cathedral was constructed behind the preserved 1906 façade in 1972, designed by Étienne Gaboury and Denis Lussier.
Ecclesiastical Status
On June 10, 1949, Pope Pius XII elevated the shrine to the status of Minor Basilica through his decree Centum Amplius Abhinc. This designation signifies its importance and special status within the Catholic Church.
Notable Features and Burials
The Institute for stained glass in Canada has documented the stained glass work within St. Boniface Cathedral. The adjacent cathedral cemetery has been the resting place for notable figures, including Chief One Arrow, whose remains were interred there from 1886 until their exhumation and transfer to Saskatchewan in 2007.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first church built on the site of the Cathedral Basilica of St Boniface?
The first church on the site was constructed in 1818 by Rev. Norbert Provencher and his colleagues. This initial structure served as a chapel, residence, and school.
What is the significance of the fires that have affected the cathedral?
The cathedral has been significantly impacted by fires twice. The first fire on December 14, 1860, destroyed 'Provencher's cathedral.' A more recent fire on July 22, 1968, damaged the 1906 structure, destroying many of its features and contents, though the façade, sacristy, and walls remained.
When was the Cathedral Basilica of St Boniface designated as a Minor Basilica?
Pope Pius XII raised the shrine to the status of Minor Basilica via his decree Centum Amplius Abhinc on June 10, 1949. The decree was signed and notarized by Cardinal Carlo Grano.
Who designed the current cathedral built after the 1968 fire?
The new, smaller cathedral built behind the 1906 façade in 1972 was designed by Étienne Gaboury and Denis Lussier.
What is the architectural style of the Cathedral Basilica of St Boniface?
The 1906 cathedral was built to plans by architect Jean-Omer Marchand and was considered one of the most imposing churches in Western Canada. The current structure behind the preserved façade was designed in a modern style.
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