Canada’s next saint has always simply been known as Brother André, nothing more. But when Pope Benedict XVI declares him a saint in Rome Oct. 17, what title will he be given?
Following are some highlights of Brother André’s life.
Aug. 9, 1845: Born Alfred Bessette in Mont St. Grégoire, Que., to Isaac and Clothilde Bessette.
1855: Isaac Bessette killed in a logging accident.
1857: Clothilde Bessette dies of tuberculosis. Twelve-year-old Alfred moves in with his aunt Marie-Rosalie and her husband.
1863: Eighteen-year-old Alfred moves to the United States, looking for work.
1867: Alfred moves back to Canada and eventually to Saint-Césaire, where he meets with Fr. André Provencal.
Nov. 22, 1870: Alfred arrives at the College Notre-Dame in Cote-des-Neiges. He carries with him a letter of recommendation from Fr. Provencal which pries open the door for him to enter the Holy Cross Congregation novitiate
Feb. 2, 1874: After first being rejected as a candidate for life-long vows in the Holy Cross Congregation, Alfred Bessette is allowed to pronounce perpetual vows. He takes the name André in memory of Fr. Provencal.
1893: Brother André ordered to receive his growing number of ill and suffering visitors in the tram station across from the college.
1902: Brother André becomes dangerously ill and bedridden. He convinces the college superior to allow him to build a small chapel to St. Joseph on Mount Royal.
Oct. 19, 1904: Chapel opens.
1914: Montreal’s Archbishop Paul Bruchesi gives permission for a much larger St. Joseph’s Church to replace the chapel.
May 19, 1916: Construction begins.
Aug. 31 1924: Construction begins on the big domed church above the crypt.
1931: In the depths of the Great Depression construction halts.
Jan. 6, 1937: Brother André dies at 91. An estimated one million people come to say goodbye over six days and nights.
1937: Construction on St. Joseph’s Oratory resumes.
1955: The Oratory becomes a minor basilica — a pilgrimage site recognized by the Vatican.
1960: Process seeking sainthood begins in Rome.
1967: Dome completed above St. Joseph’s Oratory.
1978: Pope Paul VI declares Brother André venerable.
May 23, 1982: Brother André declared Blessed.
Oct. 17, 2010: Brother André canonized in Rome.
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