St. Andre Bessette
The Miracle Worker of Montreal
"Faith can move mountains."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Canada
- Gender:
- Male
- Vocation:
- Priest
- Birth:
- 1845
- Feast Day:
- Jan 6
- Death:
- 1937
Saint Details
St. André Bessette, born Alfred Bessette on August 9, 1845, in Saint-Gregoire d'Iberville, Quebec, Canada, was orphaned by the age of twelve. Despite his frail health and limited education, he developed a strong devotion to Saint Joseph and the Passion of Christ. After working various jobs in Quebec and briefly in the United States, he returned to Canada in 1867. Encouraged by his childhood pastor, he joined the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montreal in 1872, taking the name Brother André. Initially rejected due to poor health, he was accepted with the intervention of Archbishop Ignace Bourget. Brother André became the porter at Collège Notre-Dame, where he ministered to the sick, attributing healings to Saint Joseph's intercession. In 1904, he began building a chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph, which evolved into Saint Joseph's Oratory. Brother André died on January 6, 1937, at the age of 91, with over a million people paying their respects. His path to sainthood began with his beatification by Pope John Paul II on May 23, 1982, and he was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010, becoming the first saint of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Today, Saint Joseph's Oratory is a major pilgrimage site, symbolizing Brother André's enduring legacy and devotion to Saint Joseph.
Associated Holy Sites
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
3800 Chem. Queen Mary, Montréal, QC H3Y 1N5, Canada
Details for: Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
Saint Josephs Oratory of Mount Royal, located in Montreal, Canada, is one of the largest Catholic shrines in the world dedicated to Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. The site holds immense religious significance as a place of prayer, healing, and pilgrimage. Founded by Saint Brother André in 1904, the oratory attracts millions of visitors annually who come to seek spiritual solace and physical healing. Its iconic dome, visible from much of the city, houses a crypt and a basilica where pilgrims can attend Mass, light candles, and pray at the tomb of Saint Brother André. The oratory is also known for its collection of crutches and canes left by those who believe they were healed through Saint Josephs intercession. Pilgrims often climb the outdoor staircase on their knees as an act of devotion. The site serves as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of prayer, making it a deeply meaningful destination for Catholics and visitors worldwide.
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