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When Alfred Bessette, later known as St. Andre Bessette, first walked into the Holy Cross Brothers’ congregation in 1870, he was armed with little more than a note from his pastor. The note simply read, “I am sending you a saint.” The brothers, however, were skeptical. At the time, Bessette was a humble man suffering from chronic stomach pains, a condition that had thwarted his ability to hold down job after job, both in his native Canada and across the United States. His journey from debilitating illness to canonization is nothing short of miraculous.
The Early Life of Alfred Bessette
Born in 1845 in Quebec, Canada, Alfred was the eighth of twelve children. Life was not easy for the Bessette family. After the early death of his father and mother, young Alfred was left orphaned by the age of 12. His fragile health forced him to move from place to place, seeking work but consistently facing rejection due to his inability to engage in extensive physical labor.
A Second Family with the Brothers of Holy Cross
By 1870, Alfred found his way to the Brothers of Holy Cross in Montreal. The Brothers, committed primarily to the work of education, were uncertain about what role Alfred could play given his poor health. Despite the initial hesitation, Alfred was admitted into the community. What he lacked in physical strength, Alfred made up for in unwavering faith and dedication.
His responsibilities were neither glamorous nor intellectually demanding; Alfred was assigned to be a porter at the College Notre-Dame in Côte-des-Neiges, a role that involved attending to the door and providing hospitality to strangers. Nevertheless, he embraced these duties with profound humility and an open heart, earning him the admiration of not only the students but the entire community.
A Devoted Life of Service and Healing
Along with his duties as a porter, Alfred quickly became known for his deep devotion to St. Joseph. He dedicated many hours to prayer, urging others to place their problems in the hands of St. Joseph. Slowly, word spread that praying with Brother Andre—Alfred took the name “Andre” in religion—resulted in miraculous healings.
The Origin of Brother Andre’s Healing Ministry
How did a humble porter become a renowned healer? Through simple acts of prayer and the application of St. Joseph’s oil, many reported physical healing. Some skeptics attributed these healings to coincidences, yet more and more people sought out the saintly Brother Andre for prayers and blessings.
- People began flocking to the college, overwhelming it with their numbers.
- Despite this rising fame, Brother Andre remained humble, attributing all miracles to St. Joseph, never himself.
- His humility and compassion resonated deeply with those seeking solace and prayer.
Brother Andre’s healing ministry continued to grow, and his reputation for holiness spread beyond Canada. He was known as a friend to the suffering, a comforting presence to the sick, and a devoted servant of St. Joseph.
The Construction of St. Joseph’s Oratory
Brother Andre’s dedication to St. Joseph inspired him to undertake the monumental task of building a shrine dedicated to the saint. With unwavering faith and the backing of generous donations, St. Joseph’s Oratory began to take shape on Mount Royal in Montreal.
Today, St. Joseph’s Oratory stands as a testament to Brother Andre’s unwavering faith and devotion, boasting millions of visitors each year. It not only serves as a sanctuary for prayer but also as a place of pilgrimage for those seeking healing and solace.
Culminating in Canonization
Brother Andre passed away on January 6, 1937. His funeral drew over a million mourners who wished to pay respects. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982, and on October 17, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI canonized him as St. Andre Bessette.
St. Andre Bessette’s life and legacy live on, illustrating the transformative power of faith and humility. From humble beginnings marked by physical suffering to the beloved Patriarch of St. Joseph’s Oratory, Brother Andre’s story resonates as a beacon of hope. As believers celebrate his feast day on January 6, he serves as an eternal reminder of the enduring power of faith, prayer, and miracles.
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