St. André Bessette
Feast Day: January 6
“It is with the smallest brushes that the artist paints the most beautiful pictures.” – St. André Bessette
St. André Bessette, humble brother of the Congregation of Holy Cross, is honored for his deep faith, miraculous healings, and devotion to St. Joseph. His feast day, celebrated on January 6, commemorates his life of simplicity, service, and unwavering trust in God.
A Humble Servant of God
André Bessette was born in 1845 in Québec, Canada, into a poor and devout family. Orphaned at the age of 12, he worked various jobs to support himself but was often dismissed due to his frail health.
In 1870, he was accepted into the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montréal, despite his poor health and lack of formal education. He was assigned the simple role of porter (doorkeeper) at Notre-Dame College, where he spent more than 40 years greeting visitors, running errands, and offering a listening ear.
A Man of Great Faith and Devotion to St. Joseph
Though his duties were humble, Brother André became known for his deep devotion to St. Joseph, encouraging all who came to him to seek St. Joseph’s intercession in times of illness, trouble, or suffering.
Miraculous healings began to be reported through his prayers. People flocked to him by the thousands, seeking physical healing and spiritual comfort. Brother André always directed the credit to St. Joseph, saying, “I am nothing... only a man, just like you.”
Builder of Saint Joseph’s Oratory
With unwavering faith, Brother André dreamed of building a shrine to honor St. Joseph. Through years of persistence, prayer, and fundraising, the small chapel he started eventually grew into Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, today the largest shrine dedicated to St. Joseph in the world.
The Oratory became a place of prayer, healing, and pilgrimage, continuing Brother André’s mission of bringing souls to trust in God’s love through St. Joseph’s intercession.
A Legacy of Humility and Holiness
Brother André died in 1937 at the age of 91. Over a million people came to his funeral, a testament to how many lives he touched through his kindness, faith, and prayer.
He was canonized in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, becoming the first canonized male saint from Canada.
Patron of the Sick and the Poor
St. André Bessette is the patron saint of the sick, the disabled, and those who are marginalized, a model of how holiness is found in humble service and simple, steadfast faith.
A Witness of Faith, Simplicity, and Love
St. André Bessette’s life teaches that God works mighty miracles through the smallest and humblest of His servants. His deep trust in St. Joseph and quiet charity remain an inspiration to all who seek to follow Christ through ordinary acts of love.
St. André Bessette, pray for us!
