A Holy Cross brother in Montreal, he served humbly for decades as a school doorkeeper. Devoted to Saint Joseph, he prayed with countless sick people, and his efforts led to the building of Saint Joseph's Oratory.
Life
Saint André Bessette was born in 1845 to a poor family in Quebec, Canada. He lost his parents young, was frail in health and had almost no schooling. After drifting through various jobs, he entered the Congregation of Holy Cross as a brother and for many years served as doorkeeper at Notre-Dame College in Montreal.
With deep devotion to Saint Joseph, he welcomed the sick and weary and prayed with them. As more and more people came to him, a small chapel was built on Mount Royal, which later grew into Saint Joseph's Oratory. He died in 1937 and was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
Spirituality
Brother André's spirituality is the humble trust of a little one. He always insisted that healing came not from him but from Saint Joseph's intercession and God's mercy, and he led people to prayer. The ordinary work of opening a door became for him a channel of God's love.
Reflection
As a doorkeeper, Brother André spent his life welcoming people. At the door of our parish, and at the door of our own home, do you welcome those who come with warmth?