I came across Saint Andre Bessette relatively recently. Don’t remember how but I think my affection for Saint Joseph introduced me to him and I’ve been curious ever since.
What affirmed my devotion to him recently is that during my morning prayers, I’ve regularly seen flashes of his face. I’m definitely not one given over to mystical visions. I have just as many flashes of images of pizza and other things. But these have been persistent enough that I’ve felt compelled to include him in my regular morning prayers.
I’m intrigued by stories of his humbleness and how so many great miracles are associated with him. It just affirms that the Lord works great things through meekness and those are wonderful stories. Even though he is credited with being a saint, I think he would likely defer to Saint Joseph.
From doorkeeper to miracle-worker, the life of Saint Andre Bessette teaches us the power of faith, compassion, and perseverance. Powerful lessons.
History
Saint Andre Bessette, also known as Brother Andre, was a humble and compassionate man who devoted his life to serving the sick and the poor. Born on August 9, 1845, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, he was the eighth of twelve children. From a young age, he had a deep faith and a desire to serve God.
Brother Andre’s early life was marked by poverty and hardship. His father died when he was only nine years old, leaving the family struggling to make ends meet. As a result, Brother Andre had to leave school at a young age and work odd jobs to support his family.
Despite these challenges, Brother Andre remained committed to his faith and felt called to serve others. He eventually joined the Congregation of Holy Cross, a religious order dedicated to education and serving the poor. After completing his novitiate, he was assigned to the College of Notre Dame in Montreal, where he worked as a porter, or doorkeeper.
Life at Notre Dame in Quebec
As a porter, Brother Andre had the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life. He quickly gained a reputation for his kindness, his compassion, and his ability to heal the sick. Many people came to him for prayers and for help in their time of need.
One of Brother Andre’s most remarkable gifts was his ability to heal people through prayer. He had a deep faith in the power of prayer, and he often prayed with people who were sick or suffering. Many people reported being healed after praying with Brother Andre, and his reputation as a healer spread throughout Canada and beyond.
Despite his growing fame, Brother Andre remained humble and dedicated to serving others. He continued to work as a porter, welcoming visitors to the college and helping those in need.
Oratory of Saint Joseph
He also became involved in the construction of the Oratory of St. Joseph, a shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, the patron saint of Canada.
The construction of the Oratory was a massive undertaking, and Brother Andre played a key role in making it a reality. He raised funds for the project and oversaw the construction of the shrine, which would eventually become one of the largest religious sites in Canada.
Brother Andre’s devotion to St. Joseph was legendary. He had a deep faith in the saint’s ability to intercede on behalf of those in need, and he often prayed to St. Joseph for help in his work. He also encouraged others to pray to St. Joseph and to seek his intercession in their own lives.
Challenges
Brother Andre’s life was not without its challenges, however. He faced skepticism and even hostility from some members of the Church hierarchy, who viewed his healing gifts with suspicion. He also suffered from poor health throughout his life, and he often struggled with physical pain and fatigue.
Despite these challenges, Brother Andre remained steadfast in his faith and his commitment to serving others. He continued to work tirelessly at the Oratory and to pray for those in need. He died on January 6, 1937, at the age of 91, and was mourned by people around the world.
Canonization
Brother Andre was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. He is the first Canadian-born saint and is revered by people of all faiths for his kindness, his compassion, and his unwavering faith in God.
Today, the Oratory of St. Joseph is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in North America, drawing millions of visitors each year. Brother Andre’s legacy lives on through the many people he helped and the countless lives he touched through his prayers and his service.
Intercession
Saint Andre Bessette is the patron saint of family caregivers and his feast day is January 6. Consider introducing yourself to him through a Novena.
Some other common requests for intercession include healing from physical ailments, relief from financial difficulties, and assistance with finding employment. Others seek his intercession for spiritual guidance and strength in times of personal struggle.
One way that people seek the intercession of Saint Andre Bessette is by visiting the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal, Canada. The shrine, which was built under his guidance, is a popular pilgrimage site where people can pray and ask for his help. Many people also pray to Saint Andre Bessette at home or in their local churches, asking for his intercession through novenas or other devotional practices.
In addition, the Congregation of Holy Cross, the religious order to which Saint Andre Bessette belonged, has a special devotion to him and encourages people to pray to him for help. The congregation maintains a shrine to Saint Andre Bessette at the Notre Dame de Sainte-Croix church in Montreal, where people can visit and ask for his intercession.
As with other saints, the most important thing about seeking the intercession of Saint Andre Bessette is to have faith in his power to help and to approach him with a sincere heart. As a man who dedicated his life to serving others and who had a deep faith in the power of prayer, Saint Andre Bessette is a powerful intercessor who continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.
Conclusion
Saint Andre Bessette’s life was a testament to the transformative power of faith and service. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remained dedicated to serving others and became a source of hope and inspiration to millions of people around the world.
His legacy continues to live on today through the many lives he touched and the countless miracles attributed to his intercession. Saint Andre Bessette’s remarkable life serves as a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion can have a profound impact on the world. Amazing guy for sure!
Saint Andre Bessette, please pray for us.