Wow, He was born in 1845 and died in 1937. He interceded with his prayers and Saint Joseph's help to bring God's healing grace into the hearts and bodies of thousands. So beloved and revered was he that more than a million mourners passed by his bier on cold January days in wintry Montreal in 1937.
His Oratory is now the largest shrine to Saint Joseph in the world. In 1982 he was beatified by Pope John Paul II and on December 19,2009 Pope Benedict announced approval for the final miracle that promised an unobstructed path to sainthood for this humble doorman of Notre Dame College at the foot of Mount Royal.
On October 17, 2010 Brother Andre Bessette, CSC will be canonized a saint in Rome, so announced Pope Benedict on Feb. 19, 2010. Holy Cross, Montreal, Canada and much of the Northeastern United States has been waiting for this good news for 72 years.
As a member of Holy Cross, as a descendeant of French-Canadians, as a priest and pilgrim trying to live this Catholic Christian faith, I am delighted to know that our humble lay brother, the "Miracle-worker' of Mount Royal, will finally be recognized as a saint and his great love and faith be shared with the whole world. Beni soit le nom du seigneur, maintenant et a toujours! As Brother Andre told thousands, Ite ad Joseph, Go to Joseph. He is a powerful friend to have in heaven.
While Blessed John Paul II was pope as he was going through illness and difficult days, a Capuchin Friar stood below his window in Saint Peter's Square, raised his fist and cried out "Coraggio." Just what the Pope needed to hear. The Pope made him preacher to the Papal Household. We all need that "Corragio" from God and others from time to time. I hope this blog gives a lift and helps inspire all who read it, at least from time to time.
