Feast of Canada's Saint - St. Andre Bessette
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January 4, 2017Feast of Canada’s Saint - St. André Bessette, January 7
On October 17, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Holy Cross’ first saint, Br. André Bessette, C.S.C. Known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal,” St. André — who battled sickness for much of his own life — humbly devoted his life to prayer, serving the Lord and comforting the sick and afflicted. Through his intercession prayers to St. Joseph, many received God’s healing power.
Born Alfred Bessette in Saint-Grégoire d’Iberville, Quebec on August 9, 1845 (the eighth child of Isaac and Clothilde Bessette’s 10 children), he was orphaned by the time he was 12. He received little formal education. However in 1870, he entered the Holy Cross Novitiate, where he took the name André in honor of his childhood priest, Fr. André Provençal, who presented him to Holy Cross for discernment. In 1871, he was assigned as the doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Montreal, a post he held until 1909. St. André often prayed with the sick, whom he met at the door, to St. Joseph as an intercessor. Soon many miraculous healings were attributed to his prayers and large crowds came to see him.
St. André always gave credit to God and St. Joseph. His devotion was to St. Joseph. St. André’s strong faith and devotion eventually led to the building St. Joseph’s Oratory — Canada’s largest church. St. André Bessette died in Montreal on January 6, 1937. It is estimated that more than a million people made the pilgrimage to the Oratory to pay their respects. He was beatified on May 23, 1982, and canonized in October 2010, becoming the Congregation of Holy Cross’ first saint. Worldwide the Holy Cross community observes St. André’s Feast Day on Jan. 7, because the Vatican and many nations observe the Feast of Epiphany on Jan. 6.
Prayer for the Intercession of St. André
God our Father, You gave St. André Bessette, Your humble servant, a great devotion to St. Joseph and a special commitment to the sick and the needy. May the example of his life and ministry inspire us to ever-greater works of charity, in generous service to our brothers and sisters in need. Give us the strength to surrender ourselves to Your will, and to be instruments of your loving mercy. Help us to follow the example of St. André in prayer and love, so that we too may come into your glory. Through the intercession of St. André and St. Joseph, grant the favour I now present (make your request). I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
More info on St. André:
St. André Bessette: Montreal's Miracle WorkerSt. Joseph's Oratory, Montreal
