Saint André Bessette   

Holy Cross Brother - (1845-1937)

His life

+ André was born near Montreal, Canada. Orphaned at the age of twelve, he was forced to support himself working as an unskilled laborer in the textile mills of New England.

+ In 1867, André returned to Canada and entered the Congregation of Holy Cross as a lay brother.

+ Known for his generosity and credited with many miracles, especially benefitting the sick and the poor, he was popularly known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal.” He was also quick to attribute any miracles or graces to the intercession of Saint Joseph.

+ In 1904, Brother André began the work for which he is most remembered: the construction of a shrine in honor of Saint Joseph. Over the decades the first simple wooden structure would become the great Basilica of St. Joseph on Mont-Royal.

+ Saint André Bessette died on January 6, 1937, and was canonized in 2010.

Spiritual bonus

Father Patrick Peyton—best-known as the “Rosary Priest” and for his motto, “The family that prays together, stays together”—was also a member of Congregation of Holy Cross. Father Peyton died in 1992 and was declared “Venerable” by Pope Francis on December 18, 2017.

Quote

“Put yourself in God’s hands. He abandons no one.”—Saint André Bessette

Prayer

Lord our God, friend of the lowly, who gave your servant, Saint André Bessette, a great devotion to Saint Joseph and a special commitment to the poor and afflicted, help us through his intercession to follow his example of prayer and love and so come to share with him in your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.