Canonization next step for Brother André

By 
  • December 30, 2009
{mosimage}The way is now clear for the canonization of Quebec’s first male saint after Pope Benedict XVI’s decree of a miracle attributed to Blessed Brother Andre Dec. 19.

“During these days leading up to the majestic celebration of Christmas, we have another reason to exult as we have learned that the Holy Father has officially recognized the miraculous cure which was obtained by the intercession of Blessed Brother Andre,” said Fr. Claude Grou, CSC, rector of Montreal’s St. Joseph’s Oratory. “This important step has revitalized our expectations to see Brother Andre among the saints of the Catholic Church.”

Brother Andre, born Alfred Bessette, is famous for curing multitudes of people in Montreal through his prayerful devotion to St. Joseph. Throughout his 40 years as a porter for the College of Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur in Côte-des-Neiges, and until his death, thousands flocked to him for help. In his devotion to St. Joseph, Brother André aimed to have a shrine built in his name on Mount Royal. The result was St. Joseph’s Oratory.

“Brother Andre is renowned throughout the family of Holy Cross as a man whose prayer reached the heart of God,” said Fr. Jean-Pierre Aumont, CSC, the Superior of the Canadian Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross. “The miracle which has just been recognized demonstrates just how much he still attends to human suffering and inspires the life and mission of the religious of Holy Cross.”

Brother Andre died Jan. 6, 1937 at the age of 91 and was beatified May 23, 1982.

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