In a remarkable fusion of sport and spirituality, the St-Jean-l’Évangéliste Cathedral in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, has transformed into a vibrant hub for Montreal Canadiens enthusiasts during the NHL playoffs. Clad in the team’s iconic blue, white, and red jerseys, fans have been flocking to the historic church, where a mix of raucous cheer and fervent prayer fills the air as they gather to watch their beloved Habs compete on a massive screen.
A Unique Atmosphere
The atmosphere within the cathedral is electric. Hundreds of supporters have turned the sacred space into a lively arena, exchanging traditional hymns for jubilant sports chants such as “Olé! Olé! Olé!” The director of content and communications for La Cargaison, the nonprofit multimedia group responsible for this unconventional event, Marjolaine Quintal, expressed her delight at the overwhelming turnout.
“People in Quebec and Canada unite over hockey games—it’s almost a religion,” Quintal noted. The church, which has previously hosted concerts and light shows, is now a venue for this unique blend of sport and community. “There’s ceremony, decorum, passion, and moments of dramatic turnarounds,” she added, highlighting the parallels between sporting events and religious gatherings.
A Playoff Prayer
The spectacle reached new heights at the recent sold-out watch party, where a fan dressed in a priestly red attire, known as “St-Flanelle,” invited attendees to kneel and participate in a light-hearted prayer. “Our rocket, who is in heaven, may your talent be shared,” he began, paying homage to the late Canadiens legend Maurice “Rocket” Richard. The man behind the character, David Ouellet, described his act as a playful tribute intended to bring laughter and joy to the gathering.
As attendees queued around the block, many expressed that they were not regular churchgoers but were drawn to the sense of camaraderie and excitement that the event offered. Antoine Dubé, a fan waiting in line, remarked on the communal spirit, stating, “I came for the ambiance and to share the game experience with others.”
Community Engagement and Controversy
The Corporation Monseigneur Forget, which manages the cathedral, notes that hosting such events is not without precedent. Isabelle Brulotte, the organisation’s head, explained that churches have historically served as gathering places for communities to listen to hockey games, especially for those who could not afford televisions or radios.
In addition to the watch parties, the cathedral is offering Habs-themed candles for fans to light as they pray for the team’s success. While the initiative has attracted numerous supporters, Brulotte mentioned that she has received some criticism from individuals who view the broadcasting of sports in a church setting as inappropriate. However, she firmly believes that these events align with the church’s mission to serve the community and engage younger generations.
“Just in 2025, 10,000 people walked through the cathedral doors for events other than religious celebrations,” she stated, reinforcing the notion that such gatherings can foster a deeper connection to the church itself.
The Intersection of Sports and Spirituality
The blending of sports and spirituality has not gone unnoticed by players either. Canadiens winger Cole Caufield, who recently achieved the milestone of scoring 50 goals in a season, likened the fervour surrounding hockey to a religious experience. “It literally is (a religion). That’s a story that makes it make sense,” he shared, emphasising the universal passion that transcends individual lifestyles.
However, not all agree with the notion that sports can be equated with religion. Matt Hoven, a scholar in Catholic religious education, acknowledged the similarities, such as belonging and identity, but argued that hockey does not seek to answer life’s profound questions. Nonetheless, he recognised that the two realms often overlap, particularly in Quebec, where hockey has historically been embraced by Francophone communities and their clergy.
Why it Matters
This unique convergence of hockey fandom and community spirit within a church setting illustrates the powerful role sports play in contemporary society, particularly in Quebec. As fans gather to celebrate their team’s victories, they also strengthen community bonds and create a shared sense of identity that transcends mere entertainment. In an age where traditional institutions often struggle to engage younger generations, the cathedral’s embrace of this cultural phenomenon serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of collective experience and passion, whether in faith or sport.
