Holy Name's Brother André statue blessed
October 19, 2011
TORONTO - A year after Pope Benedict XVI recognized Br. André as a saint, Toronto’s Archbishop Thomas Collins blessed a new statue of the humble doorman from Montreal and spoke about martyrdom as the universal call of all Christians.
The larger-than-life-size statue of the “Miracle Man of Montreal” is surrounded by panels showing the history of the Holy Cross Fathers and Brothers in North America from 1837 on. St. Br. André is shown welcoming a stranger with the keys of his office on his belt.
Holy Name parish was full with both the regular 10 a.m. Mass crowd and the African community, which also celebrates at the big church in Greektown on the Danforth.
Collins preached on martyrdom — the universal call for Christians to live and die for Christ.
Christians in other parts of the world are dying for the faith in great numbers, he said.
“We (in Canada) have it easy in terms of persecution,” said Collins.
When receiving visitors from the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Collins marvels at their courage and faithfulness in the face of real persecution.
“How they put us to shame,” he said. “Oh that we were worthy of our brothers and sisters, who are willing to live for Christ and willing to die for Christ.”
Like St. Br. André, all of us are required to dedicate our lives to the Lord, said Collins.
“He was there serving the people quietly, patiently, gently, lovingly,” he said.