A portrait of St. André Bessette
St. André Bessette
August 9, 1845 – January 6, 1937
Feast
January 6 · XX c.
Patron of
Caregivers · Quebec · Montreal · The Congregation of Holy Cross · People with chronic illness
Order
Religious / Holy Cross Brother
French-Canadian Holy Cross brother and porter at Notre Dame College in Montreal, who through his fervent prayer to St. Joseph became renowned for healing thousands of the sick who came to seek his intercession. From a small chapel he built on Mount Royal grew the great St. Joseph's Oratory, today the largest church in Canada. Despite his fame he remained illiterate and humble, insisting that 'St. Joseph does the healing, I am only his little dog.'
Life & Times
Also known as: Brother André of Mount Royal; Alfred Bessette; Apostle of St. Joseph · Born: August 9, 1845 · Died: January 6, 1937 · From: Saint-Grégoire-d'Iberville, Quebec; Montreal.
Patronage
St. André Bessette is invoked as the patron of caregivers, quebec, montreal, the congregation of holy cross, people with chronic illness. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“It is St. Joseph who cures. I am only his little dog.”— Frequently said in response to those who credited him with miraculous healings; recorded in 'Frère André' biographies
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Devotional items honoring St. André Bessette, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. André Bessette, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.