Brother Andre

A friend, a brother, a saint.

“Pray to Saint Joseph; I will pray with you” (Saint Brother André).

August 9, 1845: Birth of Alfred Bessette in Saint-Grégoire d’Iberville (Quebec).

1863 – 1867: Works in the United States in the textile mills.

November 22, 1870: Becomes a postulant for the Congregation of Holy Cross.

December 27, 1870: Receives the habit and the religious name of Brother Andre.

1871 – 1909: Assigned as doorkeeper at College Notre-Dame for nearly 40 years.

February 2, 1874: He pronounces final vows.

1901-1936: Brother Andre welcomes pilgrims and the sick on the mountain.

October 19, 1904: Founds Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal.

July, 1909: Appointed Guardian of the Oratory.

January 6, 1937: Death of Brother Andre at 91 years of age.

June 12, 1978: Brother André is declared Venerable by Pope Paul VI.

May 23, 1982: Brother André is beatified in Rome by Pope John Paul II.

October 17, 2010: Brother André is canonized in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI.

Monument of Brother Andre in the down-town of Montreal. Photo by ProvinceQuebec.com

Way of the cross. These gardens are a secluded site for prayer. We rely on your thoughtfulness to keep these ground lovely and quite. Please speak only in subdued tones. No smoking. Photo by ProvinceQuebec.com