Saint-Joseph’s Oratory now saying social media video was not fake; group allegedly ignited flare
Posted September 6, 2023 4:35 pm.
Last Updated September 6, 2023 4:48 pm.
Representatives at Saint-Joseph’s Oratory now say a social media video that appeared to show a bonfire on the steps leading up to the church was not fake.
In a statement to CityNews, the Oratory reversed its claims Wednesday, now alleging a group of people ignited a flare — not started a fire — in front of the building Saturday.
The video that circulated on social media seemed to show people playing drums and chanting around a fire on the church steps.
The Oratory initially said no one at the church – including nuns who live on the site – heard or saw any signs of a fire, nor was any damage found on the steps.
The church said it believed the video was assembled by splicing footage from different sources.
But Danielle Decelles, a spokesperson for the Saint-Joseph’s Oratory, rectified that belief Wednesday, saying a soccer team and several fans were given permission from security guards to take photos and video on the steps of the church Saturday evening.
Decelles says a flare was set off during that time but no damage was caused and the soccer team left shortly afterwards without incident.
She says the event was minor and was not immediately reported by security guards to church management.
“The video is confusing by giving the impression that a party with a bonfire was held at the Oratory during the night, when the group’s visit lasted only a few minutes, no damage was caused and the site was open,” Decelles told CityNews. “Once the photos were taken, the players and their supporters left in good spirits. Neither the police nor the fire department were called to intervene.”
Constructed over several decades, the towering church on Mount Royal is a world pilgrimage site and receives millions of visitors per year.
