St. Andre Bessette – The Miracle Man of Montreal

Rebroadcast of the long-running radio program, "The Ave Maria Hour," a presentation of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. www.AtonementFriars.org

Alfred Bessette was born in Quebec on August 9, 1845. Alfred was a sickly and frail child, but from an early age he had a deep faith in God and a strong devotion to St. Joseph. His pastor encouraged Alfred to consider a vocation to religious life. With the assistance of the Archbishop of Montreal, he was received into the Congregation of Holy Cross at the age of 25.

Alfred took the name Andre in religious life. Brother Andre was assigned as doorkeeper of Notre Dame College in Montreal where he greeted visitors and tended to their needs. Many people began to experience physical healings after praying with Brother Andre, and he became to be known as the "Miracle Man of Montreal."  His desire to increase devotion to St. Joseph inspired Brother Andre to found Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal in Quebec.

Brother Andre died on January 6, 1937 at the age of 91. He became the first saint of the Congregation of Holy Cross when he was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010.