Saint André Bessette, known for his profound faith and devotion to St. Joseph, overcame a life marked by frailty and adversity. Born as the eighth child in a French Canadian family near Montreal, André faced hardship early on, losing both parents by the age of 12 and being adopted soon after. His journey through various occupations, including shoemaking, baking, and blacksmithing, was riddled with failures. He even ventured to the United States for factory work during the Civil War era.

At 25, André sought to join the Congregation of the Holy Cross. His weak health initially barred him from acceptance, but with perseverance and the support of Bishop Bourget, he was finally admitted. His role was modest but essential — he served as a doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Montreal, juggling additional responsibilities as a sacristan, laundry worker, and messenger.

André’s dedication to his faith was unwavering. He spent nights in prayer in his small room by the college entrance, always with a statue of St. Joseph, his childhood patron, gazing towards Mount Royal. He believed strongly in St. Joseph’s impending special honor on the hill.

Renowned for his compassion, André often visited the sick, bringing hope and prayers, and anointing them with oil from a chapel lamp. His reputation as a healer grew, especially after his successful care for the sick during an epidemic at a nearby college. Despite skepticism and criticism from various quarters, André remained humble, attributing all cures to St. Joseph.

His dream to honor St. Joseph on Mount Royal began to materialize when, after planting medals of St. Joseph on the hillside, land was miraculously acquired. With minimal funds, André built a small chapel, dedicating his time to listening to and praying for visitors, using St. Joseph’s oil. The chapel, adorned with abandoned crutches and braces, evolved into a magnificent oratory, completed over 50 years.

André’s humble beginnings and challenges didn’t hinder his profound impact. He passed away at 92, a far cry from the sickly boy who struggled to find his place. Buried at the Oratory he helped build, he was beatified in 1982 and canonized in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, who highlighted his embodiment of the beatitude of the pure of heart.

Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
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17 COMMENTS

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  1. God speaks through all his children. Be them rich or poor! With status or not! We all have a role to play. But we can all star in our own role, no matter how small it may seem to others. Beautiful story 🙂

  2. ST ANDRE BESSETTE please sAVE ME FROM THOSE WHO WANT TO HURT ME HERE IN MY HOME WITH NO. FAMILY OR FRIENDSTO DEFEND ME.LOSING MY HOME AND EVERYTHING AND UP IN AGE. I CALL UPON THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY AND THE SAINTS IN HEAVEN TO HELP ME SURVIVE.PLEASE SNED HOLY SPIRIT TO THIS HO– USE AND STOP THE AB– USE AND PAY SOMETHING AS I CANT AFFORED MEDS AND BILLS ETC. BY MYSELF.

  3. Amazing story. Man only wanted to use him to answer the door and for other menial tasks. GOD had much BIGGER plans for Bro. Andre!

  4. Ecce Crucem Domini!
    Fugite partes adversae!
    Vicit Leo de tribu Juda,
    Radix David! Alleluia!
    Saint Anthony, pray for us. For Italy.
    Saint Teresa of Avila, pray for us. For Rome.
    Saint (Brother) André Bessette, pray for us. For Canada.
    Holy Mary, help the helpless. Amen.

  5. Dear St. Andre Bessette, Please help all those I have ever known or met from the scourge by communicating with St. Joseph. As the father of Jesus, I know he will do all he can. So many are suffering. Thank you so much.

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  6. What a remarkable testament to the power of faith and resilience! Saint André Bessette’s life story is truly inspiring, showcasing how one’s unwavering devotion can transcend adversity and leave a lasting legacy of hope and healing. His story teaches us that even in the midst of hardship, dreams can flourish and miracles can unfold. To learn more about the enduring legacy of individuals like Saint André Bessette and their profound impact on society, I decided to search for websites that will write essays for you and complete the college project to define new perspectives on historical figures and events that continue to shape our world today.

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