St. Brother André – Canadian Miracle Worker and Founder of St. Joseph's Oratory

ST. BROTHER ANDRE

St. Brother André, a beloved Canadian saint, was a humble religious brother known for his deep faith, miraculous healings, and devotion to St. Joseph. A member of the Holy Cross Congregation, Brother André became famous for his role in founding St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, which became a major pilgrimage site for those seeking healing and spiritual renewal.

St. Brother André, born Alfred Bessette on August 9, 1845, in Montreal, Canada, came from a poor family and faced numerous challenges throughout his life. The son of a French-Canadian couple, Brother André was one of 12 children. His early life was marked by hardship, especially after his father died when he was just a young boy. As a result, Brother André faced many difficulties and was often in poor health.

At the age of 25, Alfred Bessette joined the Congregation of Holy Cross, a Catholic religious order. He took the name Brother André and was assigned to a number of tasks, including working as a doorman and porter at the order's Notre-Dame College in Montreal. Despite his humble position, Brother André became well known for his deep faith and powerful devotion to St. Joseph, whom he regarded as his protector.

One of the most significant aspects of Brother André's ministry was his ability to heal the sick. He became known for his miraculous cures, which he attributed to the intercession of St. Joseph. People from all walks of life came to Brother André seeking physical and spiritual healing, and many claimed to have been cured after meeting him. Brother André’s humble nature and his focus on faith and prayer drew people to him, and he was known for his personal touch and compassionate care.

In 1904, Brother André began the construction of St. Joseph's Oratory on Mount Royal in Montreal. The oratory started as a small chapel dedicated to St. Joseph but quickly grew into a major place of pilgrimage as more and more people sought out Brother André’s healing prayers and his intercession before St. Joseph. Despite limited resources and the challenges of construction, Brother André was unwavering in his faith and dedication to the cause. The oratory would eventually become one of the largest churches in Canada, attracting millions of visitors each year. Today, it is the largest shrine dedicated to St. Joseph in the world.

Brother André’s reputation as a man of faith and healing continued to grow throughout his life. He was known for his simplicity, kindness, and devotion to God. Even though he did not have formal education or theological training, his deep spirituality and connection to the divine made him a beloved figure within the Catholic community. Brother André’s humility was evident in his daily life, and he always deflected any credit for the miracles attributed to him, instead pointing to God’s grace and St. Joseph’s intercession.

After many years of service, Brother André passed away on January 6, 1937 at the age of 91. His funeral was attended by thousands of mourners, and his legacy lived on through the St. Joseph’s Oratory, which continued to be a source of spiritual inspiration and healing. Even after his death, the stories of his miracles and his deep connection with St. Joseph continued to inspire the faithful.

In recognition of his holiness and the extraordinary impact he had on the lives of countless individuals, Brother André was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and was canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010. Today, he is celebrated not only as a miracle worker but also as a model of humility, faith, and dedication to God's will.

Feast Day

6-1-

Birth Date

9-8-1845

Died Date

6-1-1937

Canonised Date

17-10-2010

Montreal, Canada

Saint Brother André, You dedicated your life to service and faith, showing us the power of humility and compassion. Through your intercession, may we grow in love for God and find strength in our daily struggles. Help us to trust in God's will, and inspire us to care for those in need. Amen.
ST. BROTHER ANDRE

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ST. BROTHER ANDRE

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