St. Andre Bessette

Saint Andre Bessette was born August 9, 1845, near Montreal, Canada. As a member of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, he was doorkeeper, sacristan, laundry worker and messenger. Andre had a special ministry to the sick. By his death, he was receiving 80,000 letters each year from the sick who sought his prayers and healing.

On his windowsill, facing Mount Royal, was a small statue of Saint Joseph, to whom Andre was especially devoted. "Some day," he believed, "Saint Joseph will be honored on Mount Royal." For many years the Holy Cross authorities had tried to buy land on Mount Royal. Brother Andre and others climbed the steep hill and planted medals of Saint Joseph on it, and soon after, the owners yielded. Andre collected money to build a small chapel and received visitors there, listening to their problems, praying, rubbing them with Saint Joseph's oil, and curing many. The chapel is still in use.

Andre died January 6, 1937; more than a million people paid their respects at his funeral. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2020. His Feast Day is January 6.