Saint André Bessette

Biography

Saint André Bessette, also known as Alfred, Alfredo, Andreas, and Frère André, was born on August 9, 1845, in Mont-Saint-Gregoire, Monteregie Region near Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He was the eighth of twelve children in his family. Unfortunately, tragedy struck at a young age when his father died in a work-related accident and his mother passed away from tuberculosis. At the age of twelve, André was adopted by his farmer uncle, who insisted that he work for his keep. Throughout his life, André held various jobs such as a farmhand, shoemaker, baker, blacksmith, and factory worker. Despite facing obstacles, André's faith remained strong, and at the age of 25, he applied to join the Congregation of the Holy Cross. Initially, he was refused admission due to poor health. However, Bishop Bourget supported André's application, and he was eventually accepted into the congregation. Within the Congregation of the Holy Cross, André took on multiple roles. He served as the doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Montreal, Quebec. Additionally, he worked as a sacristan, laundry worker, and messenger. André was known for his deep devotion to Saint Joseph, and he spent numerous hours in prayer each night. On his window sill, facing Mount Royal, André kept a small statue of Saint Joseph. Andre had a special ministry to the sick, offering them comfort and healing. He would rub the sick person with oil from a lamp in the college chapel, and many reportedly experienced miraculous recoveries. News of his power spread quickly, and when an epidemic broke out at a nearby college, André willingly offered his assistance, ultimately saving lives. As time went on, more and more sick people sought André's help, leading to a flood of visitors. Despite skepticism from his superiors and suspicion from diocesan authorities, André always attributed the healings to Saint Joseph rather than himself. By the time of his death on January 6, 1937, André was receiving around 80,000 letters each year from the sick seeking his prayers and healing. Impressed by André's devotion to Saint Joseph, the Holy Cross authorities tried for many years to purchase land on Mount Royal. André and others climbed the steep hill and planted medals of Saint Joseph, leading the owners to eventually yield. This event played a significant role in fostering devotion to Saint Joseph for those seeking to buy or sell a home. André collected funds to build a small chapel on Mount Royal, where he received visitors, listened to their problems, prayed for them, and rubbed them with Saint Joseph's oil, often curing their ailments. This chapel remains in use to this day. Saint André Bessette's veneration started on June 12, 1978, when Pope Paul VI declared him to have heroic virtues. He was beatified on May 23, 1982, by Pope John Paul II and eventually canonized on October 17, 2010, by Pope Benedict XVI. He is recognized as the patron saint of family caregivers in Canada. After his passing, more than a million people paid their respects at André's funeral. He was laid to rest in an alcove inside the crypt behind the Votive Chapel at Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal in Montreal. His tombstone bears the inscription "Pauper, servis a humilis," which translates to "a poor and humble servant." Saint André Bessette's life serves as an inspiration for his unwavering faith, his devotion to Saint Joseph, and his compassionate ministry to the sick.