Harmony of Art and Music: A Painting and Church Organ Discover a Serene New Sanctuary

Since 1954, the masterpiece known as the “Last Supper” by the renowned Canadian artist Gerald Trottier (1924 – 2004) has graced the walls of the Refectory of St. Basil’s Seminary, later transformed into St. Basil’s College and eventually the Cardinal Flahiff Centre, located at 95 St. Joseph St. This monumental work of art, measuring an impressive 12 feet in width and 4 feet in height, found its canvas on a fir panel sourced from the forests of British Columbia. A treasured relic of History, now preserved in the Basilian Archives.

The “Last Supper” embarked on a journey to a new sanctuary within the heart of St. Basil’s parish, just across St. Joseph St. Under the supervision of Father Morgan Rice, the devoted Pastor of St. Basil’s, the painting found its new abode in the Social Center and Reception Hall of the parish.

Meanwhile, the Casavant Organ, a cherished musical relic that has been a source of divine melodies since its installation by Casavant Frères in 1951, bore witness to its own transformative journey. Over the years, this majestic instrument had been meticulously maintained. The resonant notes of this organ last graced the ears of the faithful at the First Vows ceremony of Basilian scholastic Bishoy Dawood in a poignant July moment.

Now, the time has come for the Casavant Organ to embark on its own odyssey, as it is carefully disassembled and readied for a new home in St. Augustine’s Parish in Dundas, Ontario. As this treasured instrument journeys to its new destination, it carries with it the echoes of countless hymns and melodies, enriching the spiritual journey of all who gather to celebrate the divine.

Through the transfer of the “Last Supper” and the Casavant Organ, the Basilian community demonstrates its commitment to education by preserving and sharing the rich cultural and artistic heritage embedded within these cherished artifacts. These treasures are not just symbols of faith but also valuable tools for evangelization, as they inspire contemplation, reflection, and spiritual growth among the faithful. Their long history of inspiring and guiding the faithful through worship and prayer is a testament of the Basilian Charism.

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