Saint Brother André in the Diocese of Hamilton

Saint Brother André, born Alfred Bessette on August 9, 1845, in Mont-Saint-Grégoire, faced adversity from the very beginning of his life. Orphaned at an early age, he traversed the landscapes of Mont-Saint-Grégoire, Farnham, and Saint-Césaire in pursuit of sustenance. At the age of 20, after a stint in the United States, he found solace in the embrace of the Congregation of Holy Cross, adopting the name Brother André as a tribute to his guiding light, Father André Provençal.

A paragon of intense prayer, Brother André served as the Door Keeper of Collège Notre-Dame in Montreal for 38 years before becoming the Guardian of Saint Joseph’s Oratory that he built with his friends. His unwavering devotion to Saint Joseph prompted countless supplications to God, resulting in miraculous interventions that earned him the moniker of the “miracle man of Mount-Royal.” Brother André passed away on January 6, 1937, with over a million mourners participating in his funeral. Canonized on October 17, 2010, by Pope Benedict XVI, his sanctity endures through the Major Reliquary.

Since the Canonization, the Major Reliquary has embarked on a spiritual odyssey, drawing millions into prayer services, thanksgiving Masses, fostering veneration, and becoming a conduit for divine blessings. Testimonials of healing and well-being abound, attesting to the transcendent power of Brother André’s intercession.

Brother André, known as A Friend, A Brother, and A Saint, extends his spiritual embrace to people of all backgrounds. His compassion resonates with students, teachers, parents, and faithful individuals from diverse religious traditions. A friend to the humble, suffering, and sick, Brother André’s intercession continues to touch lives, with over two million pilgrims annually seeking solace at Saint Joseph’s Oratory.

Saint Brother André and his steadfast friend, Saint Joseph, intercede for the people with unyielding devotion. Miracles unfold, lives find purpose, and the sick discover relief or healing within the sacred confines of the Oratory. Gratitude abounds for the fidelity of Saint Brother André, whose profound example of spreading God’s love inspires us all.