St. André Bessette (1845–1937) is one such figure. Though canonized in 2010, his life and spirituality are deeply rooted in the traditional devotional practices of the Catholic Church, particularly in his profound devotion to St. Joseph, humility, and commitment to physical labor and prayer.
🕊️ Hagiography of Saint André Bessette (1845–1937)
🩺 Early Life: Humble Origins
Alfred Bessette was born on August 9, 1845, in Mont-Saint-Grégoire, Quebec, Canada. He was one of twelve children. His family was devoutly Catholic but impoverished. His father, a carpenter, died when Alfred was only nine years old; his mother died three years later. Orphaned and frail in health, Alfred received little formal education and was taken in by relatives and various foster families.
From an early age, he was distinguished by his meekness, silence, and deep piety. He suffered from chronic illness, but his love for prayer and confidence in God never wavered.
✝️ Religious Life: The “Doorman of God”
In 1870, at the age of 25, Alfred sought entrance to the Congregation of the Holy Cross in Montreal. Because of his poor health and lack of education, the congregation was hesitant. However, the Archbishop of Montreal, Bishop Ignace Bourget—himself a great promoter of traditional Catholic piety—intervened and insisted:
“If this young man becomes unable to do anything, at least he will be able to pray.”
Upon entering religious life, Alfred took the name Brother André. He was assigned the humble task of doorkeeper at Collège Notre-Dame, a position he held for over 40 years. To visitors and students, he offered a quiet smile, a listening ear, and a word of encouragement. But it was through this humble post that he exercised a great apostolate of healing and intercession, particularly through his devotion to St. Joseph.
🔨 Apostle of St. Joseph & Miracles
Brother André had a strong and tender devotion to St. Joseph, the guardian of the Holy Family and patron of workers. He encouraged others to turn to him for help in times of illness, difficulty, and distress. Many miracles of healing—both physical and spiritual—were attributed to his prayers.
He would often rub the sick with oil from a lamp burning before a statue of St. Joseph. In all things, however, he denied being the source of the miracles:
“I am nothing… only a man, just like you.”
As word spread, thousands came to him seeking healing. Despite opposition and skepticism, Brother André always remained humble, obedient, and prayerful.
🏗️ The Oratory: Monument of Faith
In 1904, with the help of donations from those who had received graces through his prayers, Brother André initiated the building of a small chapel to St. Joseph on Mount Royal. This would later become the magnificent St. Joseph’s Oratory, now a major shrine and basilica in Montreal, visited by millions annually.
He did not live to see it fully completed, but always referred to it as the work of St. Joseph. Brother André died on January 6, 1937, and over a million people passed by his coffin in silent tribute.
🌟 Canonization and Legacy
Brother André was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. He is the first Canadian-born male saint and is affectionately remembered as:
- The Miracle Man of Montreal
- The Humble Servant of St. Joseph
- The Doorkeeper of God
His feast day is celebrated on January 6 (in Canada) or January 7 in the Universal Calendar (outside Canada), and in traditional devotion, his memory may be honored especially through St. Joseph’s devotion, physical labor sanctified by prayer, and trustful confidence in Divine Providence.
📿 Spiritual Practices Inspired by St. André
For those wishing to imitate his sanctity, consider:
- Daily devotion to St. Joseph (e.g., praying the Litany of St. Joseph or the Seven Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph)
- Practicing humility and silence
- Offering one’s work—no matter how humble—as a sacrifice to God
- Visiting or spiritually uniting with the St. Joseph Oratory as a pilgrimage of the heart
- Carrying a small St. Joseph medal or holy card, as Brother André often gave these out