Andre Bessette was in poor health his entire life, but credited with healing thousands of others. Though barely accepted in the religious community he belonged to, he founded the St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, which receives over 2 million pilgrims each year. His life seemed to be full of contradictions, but throughout it, he displayed great faith and miraculous powers that have resulted in his being beatified. It is believed by many that he will eventually be canonized, making him a great modern example of faith.
Birth and Family Circumstances of Andre Bessette
Blessed Brother Andre was born Alfred Bessette on August 10, 1845. He is also known as Frere Andre, leading to some confusion. Andre was the eighth of twelve children, and was baptized immediately after birth due to the fact he wasn't expected to live. His frail health continued throughout his life. As a child, chronic digestive problems required a liquid diet. His mother provided an example of religious devotion to young Andre, until he was orphaned at the age of 12. Unsuccessful at various trades, he became a Brother of the Holy Cross at age 15.
Brother Andre's Religious Calling and Early Life in the Church
Brother Andre began his training at age 15 with the Brothers of the Holy Cross. The Congregation of the Holy Cross is a religious order- in the Catholic Church- which is dedicated to teaching. When he finished his novitiate- training period-, the Holy Cross Brothers asked him to leave the order, citing his poor health and lack of stamina, which made him unsuitable for physical labor. Brother Andre appealed to the bishop of Montreal, who forced the brothers to allow him to stay. He was given the job of door keeper, which was his only "official" position until the time of his death.
Brother Andre Becomes Famous
During his spare time, Brother Andre would go and visit the sick. He quickly demonstrated the ability to help heal them. He also provided spiritual direction for those who were sick or crippled. His methods of healing varied: rubbing holy oil on the sick, touching them, praying for them, or simply telling them that they would be healed. The "miracles" ranged from the crippled walking to those with cancer being cured to minor diseases disappearing. Using donations, Brother Andre was responsible for founding St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal. He also traveled around Canada and into the United States, inspiring people to visit the Oratory.
Death and Beautification of Brother Andre
Ill for most of his life, he died on January 6, 1937 from acute gastritis, which he had dealt with throughout his life. Many of his contemporaries and superiors expressed doubt that a man such as Brother Andre had any healing power. They cited his simple nature and his inability to do anything more than basic reading or writing. After his death, however, pilgrims continued to visit the Oratory. Brother Andre was buried in the oratory, and numerous miracles have been credited to those who touched his tomb and prayed. He was beatified May 23, 1987 by John Paul II.
On the Road to Sainthood: Brother Andre's Lasting Legacy
Brother Andre left behind not only the memory of the healings he had facilitated, but also an image of amazing humility. He once referred to himself as "St. Joseph's little dog" and scorned the idea that anyone would keep relics of him. Over 2 million pilgrims visit St. Joseph's oratory each year, and there is a wall with hundreds of cane propped against it- each having been left by a cripple who walked out after being healed. Brother Andre's true lasting legacy to many Christians is that even simple people can be used by God to achieve great things.
Sources:
Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. (2001). The Encyclopedia of Saints. Visionary Living, Inc. Checkmark Books, New York, NY.
Lodi, Enzo. (1992). Saints of the Roman Calendar. Alba House, Staten Island, NY. Article located at: Eternal World Network Television Online.
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