Category: Brother André

It has often been said that Saint Brother André was ignorant and that he could barely read and write. The reality is more complex. While he left behind very few writings, aside from some postcards to family members, he could certainly sign his name, and the few books found in his room after his death demonstrate his interest in pious readings. The fingerprints he left on certain passages of these books and the numerous intimate witnesses of his life confirm this. But what books are we talking about? Let’s discover them together.

In 1999, Father Mario Lachapelle, c.s.c., had the opportunity to invite Brother Ubald Parr, c.s.c., the dean of staff at the Oratory and now deceased, to give a presentation about his vocation in Holy Cross and his memories of his encounters with Brother André to the group of Associates of Holy Cross.

Saint-Joseph’s Oratory began in a unique way. A brother from the Congregation of Holy Cross was the porter at the Notre-Dame College located on Mount Royal. He had a deep devotion to Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. From his vantage point at the entrance of the college, he looked out at the mountain and saw it as a place where he could dedicate a place of prayer to this saint whom he held dear in his heart. Gradually, an initiative took shape in his mind and heart.

Embarking on a journey alongside the Major Reliquary of Saint Brother André is akin to journeying alongside the saint himself; this has been my profound experience over the past four years.

Pilgrims often question the devotion of Brother André to Saint Joseph. Where did it come from? Did it manifest in the youth of Alfred Bessette? Was it a devotion specific to the Congregation of Holy Cross? How did it come to take on such significance? How did he live it on a daily basis?

Those familiar with Saint-Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal typically know that its foundation was initiated by Alfred Bessette, known in religion as Brother André, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross. However, it would be a mistake to assume that all pilgrims who visit the sanctuary are aware of this.

In August, we celebrate Saint Brother André, born Alfred Bessette on August 9, 1845, son of Clothilde Foisy and Isaac Bessette.

Brother André, a listening heart. A man of prayer and great simplicity, he embodied John the Baptist’s words to Jesus: “He must increase but I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). His reputation as a miracle worker and saint spread quickly. Yet the humble religious man never even sought recognition, let alone glory. He never stopped calling himself “the instrument of Saint Joseph,” his companion in spiritual life.

150 years ago, on February 2, 1874, Brother André, known in the secular world as Alfred Besset, pronounced his perpetual vows as a religious of the Holy Cross. The newspapers of 1924 highlighted this golden jubilee, emphasizing the figure of the good brother and his dedicated work to Saint Joseph, which was developing on Mount Royal.

One hundred and fifty years ago, on February 2, 1874, Brother André confirmed his commitment to live as a religious of the Holy Cross. Three years earlier, at the end of his novitiate, the superiors had hesitated to accept him into the community. There were concerns that, with his fragile health, he might be unable to actively participate in the mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Every year in October, we celebrate Thanksgiving. This harvest time encourages us to give thanks for the bounties of nature. At the Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, we give thanks to the Lord for His bountiful gifts, but we give thanks in a very special way for this place of welcome, prayer, and peace, and for the one who made it possible, Saint Brother André. On October 19, we commemorate the anniversary of the first Mass celebrated in 1904 in this small oratory on the mountain, and on the 17th, we also give thanks on the anniversary of Brother André’s canonization.

Scriptures have the ability to introduce God into our lives much like the sun brings light to the earth. The journey through the Bible can be surprising, beautiful, shocking, or bewildering, but powerful; at times, life seems to spring forth from God’s Word like clear blue skies with an irresistible force.