An important message from our head priest
The Simplicity and Humility of Pope Francis in the Service of God and Human Dignity
When I think of Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), there are two features of his personality that touch me deeply: a man of overflowing simplicity and boundless humility. Francis was a stripped-down, humble man who loved simple things. “My people are poor and I am one of them,” he used to say. He was a man shaped by Jesus, in the school of the Gospel.
He chose the name “Francis”, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, the saint of the poor. Pope Francis was very close to the people and, in a very poor neighborhood in the center of Buenos Aires, he experienced God's mercy.
We can't say that everyone understood him, but his simplicity and humility were at the service of all, especially the smallest, the immigrants and the poorest: “As you know, the rulers of nations behave like masters and make their power felt.” Among you, it must not be so. “Whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant” (Mk 10:44).
Pope Francis fulfilled his mission in this way, like Christ; he served, he loved and he devoted his life to defending freedom, justice and human dignity: “To trample on a person's dignity is a grave sin”, he asserted.
To the end of his life, he remained faithful to this simplicity. In a short testament, Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88, expressed his last wishes: “to be buried simply in the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore...”. He asked that his sepulchre be earthen, sober, without any particular decoration, with the only inscription: “Franciscus”.
Here, in a few words, is the story of a simple man who devoted his life to the service of God and humanity.
Miguel Castellanos, PSS
Head priest of the Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal
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Our team of advisors can help you with the purchase of concessions, monuments and memorabilia, as well as pre-arrangements and support in the event of death. We wish you and your family our deepest condolences.
La Pietà Mausoleum
Learn more about the addition of crypts and niches at La Pietà Mausoleum by visiting our administrative offices during opening hours.
An exceptional site located in Mount Royal Park
Designated a National Historic Site of Canada, Notre-Dame-des-Neiges is the largest cemetery in the country and the greenest in town, making it a singularly unique site.
Whether you choose a traditional or eco-friendly burial, our team of counsellors will guide you toward the choices that suit you during this difficult time with empathy and understanding.
Commemorate Your Loved Ones
The Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery team invites you to a commemorative mass in honor of the deceased which will be held at the Notre-Dame-de-la-Résurrection Chapel. Reservations are preferable, but optional — you may attend mass at the best time for you.
We're with you every step of the way. We're here for you, 24 hours a day, every day. Your advisor will guide you through the various stages and ensure your needs are heard and met.
Give yourself peace of mind and book a session with one of our counsellors today to plan ahead.
Bury your loved one in one of our eco-friendly groves which involves the burial of biodegradable urns under saplings guaranteed to grow into beautiful trees. The deceased's ashes are thus returned to nature, and generations to come can gather around the growing tree, chosen from a selection of native species adapted to the area's environment.
Cremation is currently chosen by nearly 75% of Quebecers. There are many reasons to choose this option, including its simplicity and possibilities.
Mausoleums are large buildings that offer different alternatives to in-ground burials. They house many crypts and indoor columbaria, allowing families to visit their loved ones year-round, regardless of the weather.
Thanks to its exceptional location on Mount Royal, Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery has hundreds of acres of land with space for many plots for years to come.
Anything is possible at Notre-Dame-des-Neiges; let us know your ideas for custom engravings for your loved one's monument.
Engravings are always done during the summer season, due to the temperature.
Exposed to the elements, your loved ones' monuments lose some of their luster over time. Honor your loved ones by restoring their monuments to their original glory. Our chemical-free technique leaves the engravings intact.
The Green Plan is the cemetery's ambitious project to take ecological action to help protect the environment and biodiversity of Mount Royal, a natural site incredibly rich in species of flora and fauna. Our green initiatives also aim to encourage everyone who visits the cemetery to take ecological action; no matter how small, it can have a major impact on the environment in the long term.
The Cemetery is a haven of tranquillity and biodiversity on Mount Royal. We ask all visitors to behave respectfully towards the site and its employees.
Please follow the rules and regulations of the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery to ensure the safety of all visitors whilst remaining a haven of tranquillity.
Do you need clarification on certain words? It's perfectly normal. The funeral industry contains a complex vocabulary that sometimes requires some learning. Consult our glossary for a list of definitions of funeral terms.