Remembering an Historic Day
Fifteen years ago, on Sunday, October 17, 2010, Brother André’s canonization was celebrated in Rome. On that day, the man who built Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal was named “Saint André Bessette” of the Universal Church. This official recognition was the culmination of steadfast hope and numerous efforts which were undertaken in 1940 by the members of the Congregation of Holy Cross and the Archdiocese of Montréal.
The event raised enthusiasm and emotions at Saint Joseph’s Oratory, in Quebec, within the Canadian Church and everywhere Brother André was known and admired. Political figures paid tribute to Brother André, highlighting his exemplary life and extraordinary qualities. “A very great saint,” added Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte.
Live from Rome
Thousands of people wanting to be a part of the event came together for the festivities surrounding the canonization in the Eternal City and at Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. A prayer vigil was held on October 16, as a prelude to the solemn celebration the following day. Determined pilgrims waited all night long in the Oratory’s Crypt Church so they could watch the live televised coverage of the historic event at 4 AM.
Pope Benedict XVI presided over this Solemn Mass, which began with the rite of canonization for six Blesseds, among them: Brother André, born Alfred Bessette on August 9, 1845. An estimated 100,000 people waving scarves and flags swamped Saint Peter’s Square to cheer the new saints.
A Huge Crowd!
The great celebration of saintliness continued two weeks later at the Olympic Stadium in Montréal with a Mass of Thanksgiving for Brother André’s canonization. Almost 48,000 people of all ages and from all over took part in the celebration presided by Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte. “The Church never canonizes individuals solely for who they were and how they lived in the past, said the Archbishop in his homily, but for what they have to say and what they have to teach people of today.”
Brother André’s canonization was truly an historic moment, a fraternal gathering and a singular event. The event belongs to yesterday; the saint to today.
