Quebec cathedral hosts watch party for hockey game in violation of Church law

(LifeSiteNews) — A Roman Catholic cathedral was used for purposes forbidden by Canon law this past Sunday when it hosted a public viewing party for a professional hockey game.

On April 19, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, opened its doors for a National Hockey League playoff game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The “immersive celebration” featured a 35-foot giant screen in the nave. Food and drinks were also provided.

La cathédrale Saint-Jean-l’Évangéliste was LOVING Josh Anderson’s first-period goal 🤣🙌 pic.twitter.com/UA3FtfH4Mz

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 19, 2026

“A highlight of this unique experience is that every time the Canadiens score a goal, the bell tower lights will illuminate, transforming the victory into a luminous signal visible across the cityscape,” promotional material for the scandalous event read.

TVA Sports reported on the gathering, which was dubbed “The Holy Flannel.”

Section 1210 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law specifically mentions what is not allowed in a “sacred space.”

“Only those things which serve the exercise or promotion of worship, piety, or religion are permitted in a sacred place; anything not consonant with the holiness of the place is forbidden. In an individual case, however, the ordinary can permit other uses which are not contrary to the holiness of the place,” it reads.

It adds that “sacred places are violated by gravely injurious actions done in them with scandal to the faithful, actions which, in the judgment of the local ordinary, are so grave and contrary to the holiness of the place that it is not permitted to carry on worship in them until the damage is repaired by a penitential rite according to the norm of the liturgical books.”

The Cathedral falls within the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil. The local ordinary is Bishop Claude Hamelin, who is 74 and nearing retirement. For respectful communications only, the diocese can be reached at 450–679-1100 or via email here.

Traditionalist website Novus Ordo Watch reported that the Cathedral has hosted other scandalous events as well. “It seems that La Cargaison has been contracted by the diocese to perform all kinds of secular ‘immersive experiences’ on a regular basis. The next scheduled function there will take place April 25 — a musical honoring the British rock group The Beatles.”

The National Hockey League published a news story on the event. “It could not have been more epic,” staff writer Christopher Detwiler said. “Fans filled the pews donning their Canadiens gear to watch the game on a big screen at the front of the cathedral.”