Saint André Bessette

Description

Saint André Bessette (1845–1937), also known as Brother André, was a Canadian religious brother, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and a beloved figure in the Catholic Church. He is best known for his deep faith, devotion to St. Joseph, and for his role in building the famous Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal, which became one of the largest pilgrimage sites in North America.

André Bessette was born on August 9, 1845, in Mont-Saint-Grégoire, Quebec, Canada. He was the eighth of twelve children in a poor farming family. Tragically, his parents died when he was very young, and André was raised by relatives. He struggled with poor health throughout his early life and did not have much formal education, leading him to be rejected by several religious orders early on.

At the age of 25, André was accepted into the Congregation of Holy Cross as a brother, though his superiors assigned him humble tasks due to his lack of formal education and his frail health. He took the name Brother André and was given the responsibility of porter, meaning he opened the doors to the college and greeted visitors at the College of Notre-Dame in Montreal.

Brother André was deeply devoted to St. Joseph, whom he believed was a powerful intercessor. He began a ministry of prayer and healing, particularly praying for the sick and suffering who visited him at the college. Many people who came to him for help reported miraculous healings, and his reputation as a man of great faith and compassion spread throughout Montreal and beyond.

In 1904, Brother André began working to build a chapel in honor of St. Joseph on Mount Royal in Montreal. Despite limited funds, he tirelessly collected donations and organized volunteers to help with the construction. Over time, the chapel grew into a large basilica, the Oratory of St. Joseph, which was consecrated in 1917. It became a major center for pilgrimage, attracting people from all over the world seeking spiritual guidance and healing.

Throughout his life, Brother André continued to live humbly and prayerfully, relying on the intercession of St. Joseph for the success of his projects and the healing of those who came to him. Even in his later years, after he had gained worldwide recognition, he never sought personal glory and always emphasized the importance of faith and devotion to God.

Brother André passed away on January 6, 1937, at the age of 91. His funeral was attended by thousands of mourners, reflecting the deep affection and respect that the people had for him.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 23, 1982, and canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010. Saint André Bessette is the first male Canadian saint and is venerated for his humility, compassion, and his unwavering faith in God and St. Joseph.

Saint André Bessette’s life continues to inspire countless people. His devotion to prayer, humility, and service reminds Christians of the power of faith and the importance of trusting in God’s will, even in the face of difficulties. His work in building the Oratory of St. Joseph remains a testament to his dedication to spreading devotion to St. Joseph and his deep love for the Church and its people.

The Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal remains a major pilgrimage site and a place of healing for many visitors. Saint André’s legacy lives on through the thousands of people whose lives were touched by his prayers and intercession.