In the city of Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada, on a rise of earth known as Mount Royal, there stands a religious edifice of staggering proportions. It is three hundred and sixty-one feet high, taller than either Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York or the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Its girth is so massive that it could hold within itself any one of most of the world’s great shrines, including Saint Anne de Beaupré and Saint Paul of London. The cross atop its domed roof can be seen for miles around, guiding the millions of pilgrims who come there each year. It is the Oratory of Saint Joseph, a worthy tribute to him who is the head of the Holy Family and the Patron of the Universal Church.
If one were to ask any Canadian for the name of the person who built this magnificent House of God, he would be told, “Brother André.” Yet, this little lay brother’s name does not appear on any of the official records of the building of the Oratory. He was only a porter — a doorman — at a college owned and operated by his religious congregation. He was a little man, both in size and, if one were to judge by appearance, in importance. He was not a priest; therefore he could neither offer Mass nor preach. Because of poor education, he did not know how to read or write until he reached the age of twenty-five.
How is it, then, that this little brother is known and venerated all over the world as the little saint who built the Oratory of Saint Joseph in Montreal? It is our privilege within the following pages to provide you an answer to that question.
The Early Years.
On August 9, 1845, Alfred Bessette was born to Isaac and Clothilde Bessette, the eighth in what would become a family of twelve children. The Bessettes were a poor French Canadian family who lived in the farming village of St. Gregoire, thirty miles from Montreal, and about the same distance from the border of the United States. Isaac and Clothilde were devout Catholics who, by their own example, taught their children the virtuous habits of prayer and hard work, habits which were to become for little Alfred the key to his ultimate sanctity as Brother André.
Alfred was born a very sick baby; so sick, in fact, that his father baptized him shortly after birth, fearing he would not survive. This lack of physical health and strength stayed with him throughout his entire life, yet he lived to the incredible age of ninety-one.
Recalling what he could of those early years, Brother André later told of how happy they were for him, of how great was his love for his parents, especially his mother, who had special affection for her frail child. But that happiness was soon tempered by tragedy. When he was six years old, his father was killed in a lumbering accident near the town of Farnham. Four years later, his mother, trying to raise twelve children single-handedly, contracted tuberculosis and was forced to put the children up for adoption. Keeping with her only the feeblest one, Alfred, she went to live with her sister, Mrs. Timothée Nadeau, in St. Cesaire. Two years later, in 1857, she died. Brother André later recalled, with great love and affection, her last days. Knowing her end was near, she summoned her children to her bedside and addressed them sweetly:
“My dear little ones, it has been six years since your papa left us to go to Heaven. The good God is coming to look for me in my turn. Pray for me. Do not forget the tomb of your father. My body will repose beside his in the cemetery at Farnham. From the height of Heaven I will watch over you.”
These parting words from his devout mother left a lasting impression on the frail youth. Years later, he would say of her, “I rarely pray for her, but very often I pray to her.”
Alfred was but twelve years old when his mother died. He was now an orphan, separated from his brothers and sisters. But the next ten years of his life would see the accelerated formation of a saint.
After the death of his mother, he remained with the Nadeau family. Timothée put him to work on the family farm, but, try as he may, little Alfred could not cope with strenuous farm labor. He simply did not have the physical stamina required to perform the chores asked of him. Then his uncle sent him to a cobbler to learn the shoemaking trade, but this didn’t work either. The poor lad was so clumsy that he was constantly pricking his fingers with the sharp cobbler’s awl. This scenario was repeated over and over again: He would take a job and work at it as hard as he could, but always his poor health made it impossible for him to continue. Here are Brother André’s own words describing these years of his life:
“I was never very strong. From the time when I was a little boy, ten years old, I have suffered from dyspepsia [indigestion]. It seems as if I was always sick from it. I have had it all during my life, and it still annoys me.
“When I was living with my uncle and was very young, I could not go to school much because I was always sick. Once I tried to become a shoemaker, but I could not stand bending over and being inside the place so much, and my health made me give it up. Then, after a little while, when I thought I was strong enough, I tried to become a baker, but again I found that my health would not let me do inside work. It seems that I was never very strong.”
So much for the physical deficiencies of little Alfred Bessette. Now let us tell of the one great strength which made this peasant weakling such an exceptional boy — his astonishing holiness.
Father André Provençal
During the canonical proceedings for his cause, Father Henri Bergeron, C.S.C., related a comment made to him by Brother André’s sister: “Ah, if you only knew my brother in his youth! On Sunday he passed the greater part of the afternoon in the church.”
We should not quickly pass over this statement without reflection. Sunday was probably the only day of the week on which the boy had no assigned chores. It was most likely the only time he had to play with other children in the village, but Alfred chose to stay in prayer for “the greater part of the afternoon.” This is truly heroic in a child.
It was during this time that he came into contact with the priest who proved to be the worthy spiritual tutor of a saint, Father André Provençal, the Curé of Saint Césaire. It was Father Provençal who instructed little Alfred for his first Holy Communion. It was Father Provençal who inspired devotion to Saint Joseph. And it was also this holy parish priest who put Brother André on that road which, for him, would end in perfection — the road to a religious vocation.
Even in his youth, Brother André practiced severe penances. His aunt, Madame Nadeau, several times had to take away instruments of mortification from the boy. A leather belt pierced with tacks and worn around the waist, an iron chain, and sleeping on the floor were all penances that his poor aunt had to forbid for fear of his health. Little Alfred never disobeyed; when he was told not to practice one penance, he simply adopted another. Some may think these penances were just childish excess which would fade away with maturity, but they continued throughout his lifetime, making him a truly mortified religious.
Penance is nothing without prayer, though. And here was the true sign of the lad’s holiness: He relished being united with God in prayer. His spare time was spent either in the presbytery of the parish, talking to Father Provençal, or in the church itself in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, absorbed in prayer for hours at a time. It was during these years that he started what was to be his lifelong habit — long, deep conversations with Saint Joseph. In his Epistle to the Philippians (3:20), Saint Paul said, “Our conversation is in Heaven.” For our little French Canadian pauper, these words were not a pious platitude, but a beautiful reality.
To the U.S. and Back
About the year 1863, when he was eighteen years old, he emigrated to the United States, thinking that the milder climate of New England and the opportunities for better employment would benefit his frail health. He settled in Connecticut and worked in various towns including Hartford, alternating higher paying, but more strenuous, factory labor with less difficult, lower paying, farm work. Not much is known about this period except that his vagabond existence never changed; it seemed he would always be a wanderer.
Many years later, Brother André related an incident from his laboring years: One day, while working in a field, he stopped momentarily to rest. As he leaned on his rake for support, he asked Saint Joseph where he would die. At that moment, he had not exactly a vision, but a vivid daydream in which he saw a large stone building with a cross on top. He had never seen this building before, but received a definite mental impression of its size, proportion, color and windows, all of which suggested a barracks. Years later, the vision was confirmed when he became the brother porter of that very building — the College of Notre Dame in Côte-des-Neiges.
Biographers have assumed that, since Brother André actually died in a hospital in Saint Laurent and not the College of Notre Dame, he misinterpreted his dream. But this is not so, for the word “death” can have many meanings, naturally as well as supernaturally. Just as in the case of the Old Testament Joseph, it was in the mystical sense that this dream was fulfilled. Alfred did die at the College of Notre Dame. When a priest stood over him and pronounced, “Alfred Bessette, henceforth thy name will be Brother André,” Alfred Bessette died, cloaked in the black pall of the religious habit, and Brother André, a religious of the of the Holy Cross Congregation was born.
We will discuss his religious vocation soon enough. For now, let us continue with his travels: After three years in the United States, the young wayfarer returned to his native country, still a vagabond and, by worldly standards, still a failure. But he came back weary of the world, for it had nothing to offer him but distractions from the things of God.
While in New England, his associates used to marvel at the fact that almost all of his spare time was spent in prayer. Little did they know that this was only the beginning, for Alfred wanted to give himself completely. Though as yet he had no plans for the religious life, he knew that he would have to take leave of worldly affairs to enter a greater union with his Beloved. It must have been a wondrous thing to see the pious young man begging for guidance, storming Heaven with petition after petition, and offering up his many trials and sufferings in an effort to discern what his true vocation was.
His prayers and supplications were answered. Not long after his return to Canada, Alfred went to see his spiritual Father with whom he had kept contact during his travels, Father Provençal. The same loving, paternal hand which guided Alfred to Saint Joseph while still a child, also brought him to his vocation. He didn’t have to take his little one far. Across the street from Father Provençal’s parish Church was a new building that had been built during the time Alfred was away from Saint Césaire. The building was a school where some eighty pupils were taught by six brothers, members of a fledgling religious congregation known as the Congregation of the Holy Cross. To fully appreciate the next phase of Brother André’s life, we must learn a little about this noble institution.
Congregation of the Holy Cross
The religious whom Alfred met were the spiritual children of two fathers.
In 1820, Father Jacques François Dujarie founded an association meant to provide sacristans and teachers for the parish priests of France. Such men were sorely needed, for the Masonic French Revolution had suppressed the religious orders in France, depriving the faithful of teachers and the parish priests of the assistance they needed from brothers and nuns. Many religious were martyred for the Faith during the Reign of Terror.
Father Dujarie was a parish priest in a village near Le Mans, France, and founded his association there. He called these men the Brothers of Saint Joseph. Fifteen years later, he put his brothers under the care of Canon Basile Moreau, who had just founded a group of priests called the Auxiliary Priests. Two years after that, in 1837, the Congregation of the Holy Cross was formed. In 1857, Venerable Pope Pius IX made Holy Cross an official Congregation of the Church.
Saint John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, said of the institute, “The Congregation of Holy Cross is destined after many trials, to perform great works.” Indeed the Congregation did perform many great works all over the world. Missionary work, teaching, and writing are all part of the Holy Cross apostolate. It is impossible to go to a theological library and not find several scholarly books written by Holy Cross priests and brothers. Many were great poets too. But they were best known for the Catholicity and academic excellence of their schools. In addition to countless high schools, the Congregation founded, and still operates, Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. We do not know just what the particular work is that the Curé of Ars was referring to, but it is not too unlikely a guess that he meant the great work of Brother André. For, though this Order has accomplished much (the early days in Indiana are replete with edifying stories of astounding zeal and piety), its only candidate for canonization to date is Brother André.
In 1847, a small group of religious was sent to Canada to open a foundation in the diocese of Montreal. The group was led by a Holy Cross priest and included six brothers and two nuns. They came at the request of the bishop of Montreal, Bishop Bourget, who went to France to ask Father Moreau for their assistance. These pioneer religious founded a college in Saint Laurent, in the diocese of Montreal.
Acceptance and Profession
Alfred’s meeting with these brothers was an event of singular importance. He was impressed by them; their black habit with Roman collar, cincture and medal of Saint Joseph, their manly bearing and devotion all attracted him. Nevertheless, he was nervous. These men were educated; they ran a school — just the six of them — with eighty children. Alfred was still an illiterate. But Father Provençal soon relieved him of that worry, assuring his young friend there was a need in the order for janitors and manual laborers. His fears allayed, Alfred soon came fully to desire the life which he saw before him in these six men.
On the brothers’ part, however, there was reservation. Could this frail little one actually live up to the great rigor of religious life? Could he take the formation that they had all been through? Was his apparent piety enough to overcome such deficiencies? These were real concerns for the brothers, though they did not express them to the lad. They simply answered the questions Alfred asked about their rule, their history, and their devotion to the Holy Patriarch, Saint Joseph. Without discouraging him, they said nothing to indicate any desire that he join them.
Alfred was not at all put off by the brothers’ lack of enthusiasm. As was already his common practice, he sought Divine Assistance to overcome this challenge and prayed all the more. Then, in 1870, he made up his mind that, if they would have him, he would join the Congregation. They accepted him into the novitiate in Côte-des-Neiges, and he took the habit of the order. The novice master, Father Gastineau, gave him a great welcome. Perhaps he was expecting much of the new arrival, because before Brother André got to the novitiate, the novice master received a letter from Father Provençal which said, “I am sending a saint to your Congregation.”
Brother André was a good novice, well liked by his superiors and respected by the brothers. During the novitiate he progressed in the spiritual life under his spiritual director, Father Hupier, and in the religious life under his novice master, Father Gastineau. He also learned to read, a skill which he applied with great fervor to the Holy Scriptures and the Imitation of Christ, as well as to the lives of the saints. As part of the Holy Cross religious formation, novices were required to memorize the entire Sermon on the Mount. But Brother André didn’t stop there. In later years, he memorized the Passion of Our Lord as it is contained in each of the four Gospels, being able to recite the entire Passion word for word according to whichever Evangelist he wished. In addition to this, he had whole sections of many spiritual books memorized.
As it would happen, one area of his life which did not improve during the novitiate was Brother André’s miserable health. It was so bad that he was not allowed to make his temporary vows as a Holy Cross brother. There was even talk of dismissing him from the community. Naturally, this upset the frail little servant of God, who wanted to work out his salvation as a religious. Desperate to save his vocation, he took advantage of a visit by Bishop Bourget, the bishop of Montreal, to the college. Overcoming his timidity, the novice knocked on the door of the prelate’s room and, once admitted inside, threw himself at the feet of his Excellency. In tears, he explained the situation. Towards the end of the conversation, the young brother humbly declared, “My only ambition is to serve God in the most obscure tasks.” The bishop, having heard all he needed, said, “Don’t be afraid, child. You will be admitted to the religious profession.” He was true to his word; Brother André made his profession on August 22, 1872.
Our Lady’s Porter
His first assignment was as porter of the College of Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur in Côte-des-Neiges, the same college where he spent much of his novitiate. This was the position he held for nearly forty years. As is common in the lives of all of the saints — and, indeed, in the lives of all men — there was never a time when he was without crosses, some of them serious. His superior at the College, Father Louage, was not particularly impressed by Brother André and oftentimes disciplined him in what seemed to be an unfair manner. Because of this, Brother André was given the name “the lightning rod of the college” by the other religious, who said, “He receives the bolts of Father Louage.” In all of this, the pious religious persevered without the slightest protest, wishing to unite his sufferings to Christ’s instead of wasting them by complaining.
It was soon after his assignment at the college that those supernatural phenomena which marked the rest of his life started to happen.
Miracles
God, knowing that men do not think often enough of their final end, nor of Him, nor of the truths of religion, gives human nature external signs of His presence and the truth of His religion. Our Lord Himself, when the disciples of Saint John the Baptist approached him, asking if He were the Messias, said, Go and relate to John what you have heard and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel preached to them. Culminating with His own miraculously prolonged passion and His glorious Resurrection, Our Lord gave ample proof of His Divinity. In addition to His own miracles, He promised His Apostles that signs would follow their preaching. He was true to this promise: But they going forth preached every where: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed. (Mark 16:20) As is plain from Church History and the lives of the saints, the divine foundation of the Church was proved by miracles in every age.
Since Our Lord’s time, then, there have been sufficient — and oftentimes more than sufficient — extraordinary proofs for all to know the One True God and His One True Religion. And so, in this age of great intellectual pride, God manifests his mercy again to an unbelieving people to give them more than ample opportunity to save their souls.
As for Brother André, the public nature and frequency of the miracles he worked make them impossible to dispute. He cured many of the students at the college, so many that he developed a reputation as a great miracle worker.
One day, as the pious porter was scrubbing the floor in the parlor of the college, a lady came to see him, having heard of his reputation. She was so afflicted with rheumatism that she could only walk with the assistance of two men supporting her by holding each arm. Her request to Brother André was simple enough: “I am suffering from rheumatism. I want you to heal me.” Not looking up from the floor he was still busily scrubbing, Brother André said to the men assisting her, “Let her walk.” The woman walked out unassisted.
As the school’s doorkeeper, Frère André saluted and bid farewell to the many guests who came to the college. Having a keen interest in their spiritual welfare and a symphetic ear for their problems, the little doorman could often tell who was in need of his prayers or counsel. One day he noticed on the face of a guest — the father of a boarding student — a preoccupied, strained expression. When Brother André learned that the man was worried about his sick wife, he told him, “But she is not so sick as you think. At this very moment she became better.” The man was quite cynical, for he knew that his wife had been ill for many years. Yet upon arriving home, his wife greeted him at the door, perfectly healthy, in good spirits, and inquiring about the couple’s children. The man later learned, upon speaking with his wife’s nurse, that she had asked to be taken out of bed exactly when Brother André pronounced the words, “At this very moment, she became better.”
Father Henri-Paul Bergeron, a Holy Cross Priest who knew Frère André, gives an account in his book, The Wonder Man of Mount Royal, of an event that recalls some of those recorded in the Gospels:
“One day as he was going along Bienville Street in Montreal, a sick woman was brought to him. Immediately all of the sick of the neighborhood, children, men and women, were brought out until the whole street was filled with the sick and the infirm. Brother André attended to all with kindness, and his chauffeur. . . making his way through the crowd, remarked:
‘How wonderful; it is like a scene from the life of Our Lord: everyone rushed forth to beg for favors and cures.’
‘Perhaps so’ replied the Brother, ‘but God is surely making use of a very vile instrument.’”
On another occasion, when the porter was in the infirmary, he saw a student sick in bed. He told the boy, who had been ordered to rest by the school doctor, to get up. “You’re not sick, you lazy bones! Go and play with the others.” This the boy did, in perfect health and good cheer. The story of the incident soon spread around the college. Teachers, the doctor, students and parents alike marveled at the miracles wrought by the confident prayer of the young brother.
We say that the miracles were wrought by the prayers of the brother. Perhaps, if he were here, he would rebuke us for saying this. He never claimed that he worked a single miracle. In his humility he gave all the credit to Saint Joseph, in whose power Brother André had infinite confidence. In fact, any attempt to credit him with miracles brought a stern reprimand from the normally kind religious. One day a visitor said to him, “You are better than Saint Joseph. We pray to him and nothing happens, but when we come to see you we are cured.” The brother was so incensed at the slander of the Holy Patriarch that he screamed, “Get out of here. It is Saint Joseph who cured you, not I. Get out! Throw him out!” The incident shook the frail constitution of the holy man so much that he spent three days sick in bed.
If miracles are proof of the True God and His True Religion, then the miracle workers chosen by God are going to have enemies, just as God Himself did when He dwelt amongst us. It didn’t take long, then, for Brother André to acquire enemies of his own.
Many parents who sent their boys to the school were alarmed at the activities of its brother porter. Large numbers of sick were coming to the school where their children not only went to classes, but boarded as well. These pathetic masses — many of whom had contagious diseases — crowded about the train station across from the college. In their quest to see Frère André they constantly filed in and out of the very building where the students were housed. The just concerns of the parents, coupled with ill feelings (perhaps jealousy) of many at the college, spelled trouble for the porter. And worse yet, many physicians, whose hatred of religion was deposited upon the little man they styled a “fake healer,” added their venom to the rising fury. Soon Brother André had a mob of hostile enemies complaining to his superiors, the bishop, and even the public health officials.
The Bishop of Montreal — at this time, Bishop Bruchesi — dismissed the multitudes who came to complain to him. But this did not mean he was unconcerned. He scheduled an appointment with Brother André’s superiors, many of whom were not convinced of the divine origin of the miracles. During the meeting, the bishop asked whether Brother André would cease his activities if told under obedience. The reply came, “He would obey blindly.” To this the bishop said, ” Then let him alone. If this work is from God, it will live; if not, it will crumble away.”
Not only was the Bishop won over by the porter’s virtue; even the public health officials, who were forced to investigate the goings on at the college, came back from their meeting with him impressed at his common sense and stability. The enemies of Brother André failed, and Bishop Bruchesi’s statement was proven true: the work was from God and it did live.
The Oratory of Saint Joseph
In the midst of all of the excitement, the brother’s heart became fixed on one holy ambition: the erection in Montreal of a shrine to Saint Joseph.
Brother André was not the first to conceive such an idea. Years before, in 1855, the saintly Bishop Bourget had written in the decrees of the Second Plenary Council of Quebec:
St. Joseph, then, must have a church which will in a certain sense supply the service of all the others, and in which he may receive every day the public honors due to his eminent virtues . . . We wish to consecrate whatever is left to us of strength and life in the task of having him honored in such a church and of making that church a place of pilgrimage whither the faithful will come to visit him. . .
This is the same bishop whom we reported earlier saved Brother André’s vocation nearly twenty years after writing these words. Perhaps he knew that the holy little novice who pleaded with him was the humble instrument through which the Patron of Canada would finally have a worthy shrine built. But even Bishop Bourget was not the first to express the desire that such a shrine be built. Father Moreau had dreamt of a place of pilgrimage to Saint Joseph in the very early years of the Holy Cross Congregation in France. He thought of using the novitiate at Charbonnière, near Le Mans, for such a site. Both men were dead and buried before the Oratory was started, but both had a hand in its foundation all the same.
The shrine was in the thoughts and prayers of the porter for quite some time before he dared ask permission to build such a thing. He let only a handful of privileged friends know of his holy aspiration. Every once in a while he would let out a stray remark impressing on the hearer the need for a chapel to Saint Joseph. Some of these occasions came with certain signs of the divine origin of the brother’s dream. One of his confreres told him of a strange phenomenon in his cell: It seemed that every time this religious put his statue of Saint Joseph facing his bed, he came back to find the statue turned around, facing the Mount Royal. Laughing, Frère André told his confrere, “It is not strange at all; it simply means that Saint Joseph wants to be honored on the mountain.”
Certainly Brother André wanted Saint Joseph honored on the mountain. In 1890, he took a young student with him on one of his regular Thursday meditation walks. Taking the student up to the mountainside across the street from the school, he told him, “I have hidden a medal of Saint Joseph here. We will pray that he will arrange the purchase of this land for us.” For six years he persevered in prayer for that intention, and in 1896, his prayers were rewarded. The Holy Cross Congregation purchased the land, fearing that such a prime piece of real estate would attract a club or resort which would be an unwholesome distraction so near the students. After the land was purchased, Brother André put a statue of Saint Joseph in a little cave on his chosen site. Placing a bowl in front of the statue, he planned on collecting alms from Saint Joseph’s petitioners, alms which would be used to build a chapel.
The building of the shrine was a complex thing. It would be a distraction in this short biography to go into all of the details of what was completed and when. Indeed, at times the biographies of the Blessed read more like architectural manuals than the life of a saint. This is because the life of the little brother was so intimately connected with the building of this shrine that one cannot be discussed without the other. To put it simply, what started out as a fifteen-by eighteen foot chapel in 1904 became a minor basilica in 1955, and was completed — interior and all — in 1966. In his lifetime, the shrine became big enough to warrant having a full-time guardian, a job to which Brother André was appointed in 1909. For the present, however, we would rather discuss the life of the holy builder than the building itself.
From the moment that he conceived the idea to the day he died, the Oratory of Saint Joseph was a sacred task which Blessed André pursued with burning zeal. Everything that he could do in the confines of religious obedience to make the shrine a reality, he did immediately.
In his days as porter in the college, he also became the school’s barber, a position which gave him opportunity to give holy counsel to the boys. When the students paid him the small fee for their haircuts, Brother André would set the money aside for the shrine.
Miracles in the U.S.A.
The determination that our brother had to build the shrine to Saint Joseph took him well beyond the confines of Montreal to find the money needed for the project. He toured many cities in the United States and Canada in this holy pursuit. Many of the French-Canadian towns around Boston, including the industrial cities of Lowell and Fitchburg, were on his itinerary. In these forays, he made the rounds of factories to beg contributions from their workers.
Even today can be found residents of these areas who vividly recall the visits of the saint. A religious in our own order once met such a privileged resident, who related the story of a young couple with an infant diagnosed as having a brain tumor. Upon learning of the child’s malady, Blessed André took the baby into his arms, gently rubbing the afflicted infant’s head. The moving scene of the aged Brother caressing the infirm baby was more than just a tender moment; the child, it was later discovered, was completely cured.
Another episode in his American travels saw the conversion of a young non-Catholic named Henry Paine. Mr. Paine had pierced his hand with ice tongs and it was so infected that the doctors talked of amputating the affected member. The young man promised his Canadian visitor that that he would convert if he was healed. At the touch of Frère André’s hand, the pain left. Almost immediately, the hand was completely cured. Mr.Paine kept his promise: he did indeed convert; and soon after, he married a Catholic young lady.
The miracles wrought at the Oratory were many and spectacular. Still there were critics. Many cynics doubted the efficacy of St. Joseph’s oil, medals and novenas for healing bodily illnesses. Others took the cures for granted, thinking that it was the good work of the kindly brother, who, like any other humanitarian, had no other aim in mind than taking away people’s suffering. But for Blessed André, the working of miracles had one end and one end only: Faith.
Zeal for Souls
Many of the people who sought cures from Frère André were good Catholics; but others were heretics and unbelievers of all kinds. One of the witnesses at his cause for beatification said, “As to heretics, schismatics and also unbelievers, Brother André treated them with more kindness and sympathy than the Catholics. He wanted to gain the confidence of such people. When the right time came he talked to them of the goodness of God and of religion. . . He profited by the visits of Protestants and unbelievers to slide in a good word to them, an evangelical word.”
It was by this kind of work that the guardian of the Oratory wrought thousands of conversions, many among lapsed and lukewarm Catholics, but also among Protestants, Freemasons and Jews. Brother André looked upon the humility of the non-Catholic, in coming to a Catholic brother for a cure, as the beginning of faith. In this he was imitating Our Lord Himself. When the father of the possessed boy in Saint Mark’s Gospel begged for a cure, Jesus told him that all things were possible to those who had faith. And immediately the father of the boy crying out, with tears said: I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. Like Our Lord, Blessed André took every opportunity to give the gift of faith to the unbeliever. About this, the Blessed said, “Those who are cured quickly often are people who have no faith or little faith. On the other hand, those who have solid faith are not cured so quickly, for the good God prefers to allow them to suffer that they will be sanctified even more.”
Devotional Life
In early life, our diminutive porter acquired the habit of frequent, long, and devout prayer. As he advanced in years, this habit never waned. During the daytime, which he typically spent cleaning and doing other chores, Frère André received many visitors. At night he frequently visited hospitals, oftentimes returning with crutches to add to the growing collection in the Oratory. After such a day, he would spend much of the night in prayer. One of his intimates said about this, “Frequently, after his sick calls, he invited me to sleep in his cell over the primitive chapel. More than once I struggled against sleep in order to watch him. Towards morning I fell asleep while he remained in prayer. When I awoke, about five o’clock, I often noticed his bed had not been touched.”
Though he is known for his tremendous devotion to Saint Joseph, all those who knew him said that Blessed André’s central devotion was to the Passion of Our Lord. Many times, he would turn a worldly conversation into an emotional narration of Our Lord’s sufferings, often bringing those present, including himself, to tears. Because of this devotion, the good brother led Friday Stations of the Cross every week at the Oratory, hoping one day to construct a large set of stations around the Basilica’s exterior.
His devotion to Our Lady was quite conspicuous too. Logically, with such a love of the Passion, he often invoked Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows, the title under which she is the Patroness of the Holy Cross Congregation. Frequently he walked around with Our Lady’s Rosary in his hand; and in visiting the sick or raising funds for the Oratory, he would take advantage of the car ride to recite not one but several Rosaries. In his simplicity, he spoke of the Virgin as a child would: “If you consider all the saints, you will see that all of them had a devotion to the Blessed Virgin; Her intercession is most powerful, she is the Mother of God and the Mother of men.”
The piety that he had toward the Patron of the Universal Church was simple and childlike too: “When you invoke Saint Joseph, you don’t have to speak much. You know your Father in heaven knows what you need; well, so does His friend Saint Joseph.” “Tell him, ‘If you were in my place, Saint Joseph, what would you do? Well, pray for this in my behalf.’” To the people who came to him with their troubles — and thousands did — the friend of Saint Joseph recommended the use of sacramentals, like Saint Joseph’s oil or a Saint Joseph medal. Most of all, he recommended persevering and confident prayer, usually prescribing a novena to his powerful benefactor.
A typical example of the favors wrought through the intercession of Saint Joseph is this one: A girl at a convent school not far from Quebec was severely injured when another child struck her in the right eye with an oar. The doctors tried to save the eye, but paralysis of the optic nerve set in, causing the girl to lose her sight. The sisters at the school had heard of the cures at the Oratory and procured a medal of Saint Joseph which had been blessed there. They decided to make a novena. For nine days, all the Sisters and students received Holy Communion and prayed to the foster-father of Jesus, applying the medal to the child’s eye. There was no progress at all during the course of the novena, but they remained confident. On the ninth day, after everyone had received Holy Communion, the child opened her eye to see the chapel’s statue of Blessed Joseph. Before the cure, the seriousness and permanence of the damage had been verified in writing by two competent ophthalmologists. Later, these two declared that the eye was perfectly cured, with no trace of injury. Neither could explain the cure.
Though Brother André was given the grace to heal others, he was constantly sick himself. He suffered from stomach illness all of his life. As a result, he could eat little more than a mixture of flour and watered-down milk, or sometimes bread soaked in the same. To him, these sufferings were an opportunity for reaching greater sanctity. As we shall see, his final sickness provided him with many such opportunities. When asked if he was in great pain, he said, “Indeed I am, but I thank God for giving me the grace to suffer; I need it so much!”
The Death of a Saint
In the ninety-first year of a life dedicated to Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the miracle man sensed his imminent departure from this vale of tears. Late in 1936, he told one of the priests in his order that Christmas of that year would be his last in this life. Once, when he passed the tiny hospital of Saint-Laurent, he commented, “What a fine place for patients to prepare for death.” At 8:30 in the evening of December 31, the wonder worker who cured so many was himself admitted to that very hospital for what the physician thought was a mild heart attack, but was later diagnosed as acute gastritis.
He spent his dying days as he had spent his whole life, unconcerned with his own sufferings — which were great, considering that he refused any pain medication — and constantly praying for others. He offered up his prayers and mortifications for Catholic Spain, then being torn asunder by civil war, prior to General Franco’s defeat of the Communists. He also prayed for the Holy Father, Pope Pius XI, who was sick and near to death. With friends at the side of his own deathbed telling him how much he was still needed, the good brother said, “There is one who is far more necessary than Brother André in this world: that is the Pope. If the Holy Father passed away, it would be disaster; he still has much to accomplish.”
The Pontiff lived for two more years, years in which he did accomplish much, addressing problems all over the globe: the Germans losing their faith to Nazism, the Mexicans being oppressed by an evil Masonic government, and the even more horrible menace of Communism. On March 19, 1937 — the Feast of Saint Joseph — the Holy Pontiff published Divini Redemptoris, an encyclical letter condemning Communism. As if in gratitude for his own recovery and with great confidence in the mighty Patriarch, towards the end of the encylical Pius wrote,
. . .We place the vast campaign of the Church against world Communism under the standard of Saint Joseph, her mighty Protector.
Like Our Blessed Lord on the Cross, his faithful imitator spoke many words of piety and holy resignation to God’s will during his final agony: “My God how I suffer. . . Heaven is so beautiful that it is worth all the trouble with which one prepares for it.. . . How good God is. . . How beautiful. . . How powerful. . . Mary, Sweet mother, mother of my sweet Savior, be merciful to me and help me . . . Saint Joseph. . . “
The name of his holy patron was the last intelligible word issued from the holy lips of Blessed André.
Immortality
So Brother André died as he had lived, suffering heroically, praying fervently, and even working great cures. The purely spiritual mission of his life became more evident when, during the exposition of his body — which lasted a week — confessionals were filled with repentant sinners who had been away from God’s grace too long. Not only at the Oratory, but all over Montreal sinners were returning to God in great numbers as more than one million people streamed past his poor little coffin. Some of these people had been sworn enemies who had spurned the miracle worker as a fake, having dubbed him, “the old fool on the mountain.” The “old fool’s” prayers very well may have saved many of these from an eternity without God, just as they may have saved Canada from the clutches of Communism.
Today, the mortal remains of Blessed Brother André lie in a black marble sepulcher in the back of the Oratory, the shrine he dedicated his life to erecting for Saint Joseph. In front of the Basilica towers a statue of Saint Joseph holding the Child Jesus. The millions who file past it every year see on its stone pedestal the words which the saintly old guardian calls out from heaven: ITE AD JOSEPH — GO TO JOSEPH!
Tags: Brother André Bessette, Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Saint Joseph
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Good Bl. Brother Andre pray for all my family members and for me!! Thank you and praise be to the Trinity and the Holy Family!
Please help my son and his family get reunited again.
I had never heard of Bl. Andre until two days ago, when I was at Mass on his feast day. Hearing father’s sermon about Bl Andre and his healings, I asked Bl Andre for healing for my daughter-in-law who has severe nerve damage that is to take 12 – 18 months to heal, if at all. Just an hour ago, she called me to tell me that her doctors just found positive evidence that her damaged nerves are regenerating, and that her body is healing itself! Thank you Blessed Andre…I and my family will pray for your canonization! Thank you St,. Joseph.
During my pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima many years ago, my Brother Andre medal turned copper. My dear friend who was with me on this trip had given me this medal. When I showed her, she immediately gave me another one. This one is also turning copper, only this time slowly. My birthday is March 19, l930. A few years after the pilgrimage I went to Montreal to thank St. Joseph for his blessings. And he continues to bless me.
Please heal my father’s legs so he doesn’t have to have any amputations. We’re praying for healing of his lungs and heart as well and removal of any depression. Thank you, Bro. Andre’. I will pray for your canonization!
Please bring healing to my ears and my varicose veins in both legs. Please bring healing to Maria’s Ears. I pray that through your intercession I will find healing as well as Maria. Sister Emily
on this feast of st. joseph pray for a healing of my ms.
Please pray that my very ill brother has a happy death. The Feast of St. Joseph was the birth date of my late husband. I beg for intercession that I receive the graces necessary for peace of mind and to provide the means to pay my debts. Sincerely in Christ.
Brother Andre is a relative of my grandmother.He is a very special person in my family. My mothers uncles have seen him cure.I am still learning about his life. A very special person!!!! May he always rest in peace and look over all of us.
Brother Andre please pray a finacial healing in my family and that my wife’s business and my business prosper. We will pray for your canonization. Thank you St Joseph and Brother Andre.
Ora por mi, Blessed Bother Andre, para mi salvacion y de mi familia. Y por la paz en mi vida. Amen. San Jose-ruega por nosotros.
One day on a visit to our Adoration Chapel I picke up a small card with Bl. Br. Andre’s image and the prayers for his canonization and a healing request. I have been saying these almost daily for over a year now, asking for the healing of my son’d hearing loss (deaf in one ear and significant loss in the pther). He has other disabilities that have also made it difficult in his dealing with people and situations and for this reason I recently modified my request for his Healing with Faith, Family and Hearing. I appreciate you article and am learing more about Bl. Br. Andre and St. Joseph and would love to visit Mt. Royal someday. We live in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
I never knew who Brother Andre was. My friend Louis Rodriguez told me who he is. He said years ago that if you need to really believe in someone turn to Brother Andre. He will listen to your prayers. My son and his family live in San Antonio, Texas. I pray for financial freedom so I will be able to return to San Antonio and live out the rest of my life and try to make a positive influence in the lives of my grandchildren and my son. I pray that he always believes in our Lord. Please help me so I may help my family. I will pray for your canonization and publicly annouce your intercession. Thank you Saint Joseph and Brother Andre. I ask for your forgiveness for I am a sinner. Thank you Lord for all your blessings. Amen
Bro Andre, Please help me and my family to get my immigration clearence and get settled in Canada very soon. I will pray for your canonization and promise to visit your shrine to offer you thanksgiving along with my family. Thank you Saint Joseph and Brother Andre
Brother Andre, Please help Pat today with his surgery and with his battle against this cancer that is ravishing his body. I pray that you Brother Andre & Saint Joseph with the help & guidance of God will bring forth a miracle for young Pat today. I will pray for your canonization Brother Andre and promise to publicly announce your intercession.
Thank you Brother Andre and Saint Joseph. Thank you Lord for all your blessings. Amen
I wish to be help concerning this black cloud over me that is constantly there. I eem to not have much luck in my life and need brother Andre to help me find my path, thank you.
Brother Andre,
Please pray for my sister. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has two little girls and a husband who really need her. She is a pediatric oncology nurse and the children she cares for and their families need her as well. Her faith is strong while mine is not–I ask your help and guidance as I have always believed in good work of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Thank you.
When we prayed to St Joseph through Brother Andre, my addopted daughter , who had cancer and went to the doctor to see what he could do. he found no cancer and that was 3 years ago.
I would like to trun this in as a mericle but do not know where to do it.
There is much more to this story and proof.
I might be related to Jane Smith as Brothrer Andre is my 2nd cousin.
Please pray for my friend Tiffiny and her healing.
I have often turned to Brother Andre in times of need. Many times after praying to him my children’s ailments or problems were resolved. I am turning to Brother Andre again to ask that my daughter, Kristyn’s female problems are resolved. She has been battling an infection since June and medication cannot seem to resolve the problem. Brother Andre, thank you for all your blessings. Could you please resolve my daughter’s infection.
Thank you for all your blessings.
Dear Brother André I have a severe colon infection that will not heal. I ask you to intercede on my behalf and heal my colon quickly before other problems arise. You cured my mother as a child and ensured my sister Sandra walked after her accident. I do not have any of the oil my mother always had and am too far away from Montréal to obtain it. I hope this sincere prayer will find you. I pray for your canonization, and am sure I will see it in my lifetime.
Thank you Brother Andre for starting to heal me today.
Dear Brother André, my dearest mother, Felicia LaValla has pain in her legs and a bad knee, and one leg is not straight when she walks. She is in her eighties and needs to walk. Please pray to St. Joseph for her cure.
Dearest St. Joseph, and Blessed Brother Andre,
I ask your help for I have many needs, concerns, and illnesses. Please, i pray for healing for my Son (Emphysema, Addiction, BP), My Mother (MS), my Sister (Cancer, Diabetes Insipidous), my Father (High Blood Pressure, Heart and Lung disease, Prostate), my Brother (Chrohn’s Disease, Addiciton), and my Ex Husband (Emphysema, AsPD). I also humbly ask that I be healed of all of my illnesses. I pray that our lives be restored, and our sins be forgiven. I ask that you bring Faith to those who have none, and strengthen my Faith. I wish to work as you have worked, and heal as you have healed. Please show to me the path you have chosen for me, and help me to walk it in your name. Please send The Shekina Glory to help me in word and deed.
I ask it in Jeshua’s Holy name, and ask that the Holy Mother Mary, and St. Joseph intercede on my behalf with Our Most Holy Father, Creator of All Things and Lord God (YHWH).
Amen,
Amen,
and Amen.
Please help me to understand God’s will in my life. Just know, however, that I have always feared hard or difficult tasks and things…… and I can’t appreciate suffering either for myself or others, so I need some understanding and ecouragement as well….. But please know that I love the humility and sanctity of your life….
Here is a quotation that may help Denis, who posted above. “Christ does not explain in the abstract the reasons for suffering but before all else he says: ‘Follow me!” Take part through your suffering in this work of saving the world….Gradually, as the individual takes up his cross, spiritually uniting himself to the Cross of Christ, the salvific meaning of suffering is revealed before him.” John Paul II
There is a lovely lady by the name of Lorraine who has stage 4 cancer and has just broken her wrist. She well understands the efficacy of suffering and has bourn hers with great heroism. When she recently put out a call for prayers, we understood it as a signal that things are becoming tough in this battle. So, please include her and the needs of her family, in your good prayers. Also, Helen Duggan Groves died just before Christmas. She has supported the faith of St. Benedict Center for most of her adult life. Please add her to your list as well. Thank You!
Ave Maria!
I have an urgent request and update for my cousin Tina (special needs) who has diabetes. She has been going daily for an antibiotic infusion and wound check since her small toe amputation and the wound is NOT healing. She is scheduled for a Femoral Artery bypass of the left leg for Wednesday, January 6th @ 7:00 am to try and preserve her Leg! I saw her this weekend and I sincerely don’t think that she appreciates what is happening to her. I’m praying for a miracle!
Secondly, Kelly with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (aggressive) was in the hospital over Christmas in a lot of pain and I’m told that her treatment wasn’t helping.
Lastly, here is an update on Paul (suffering from metastatic skin cancer) from his father. “Looks like Paul has run out of treatment options and things are getting tough for him. We are flying up at the end of Jan. for his daughter Katie,s wedding and will stay about a week and will decide how soon we will go back up to stay after we see how he,s doing. All we can do now is pray for a miracle and hope the Lord doesn’t want him too soon!”
Many thanks to all. Pax Christi, mp
That I may be a better third-order sister.
For my son to be a good priest for Christ through Mary Immaculate and St. Joseph and Brother Andre.
That all of our family saves their souls.
Wonderful article! Saint Andre’ pray for us!
Blessed Brother Andre’ pray to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph for Debbie and I that our marriage might be saved.
Brother Andre,
Please pray for the healing of Leo who has Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Blessed Andre, Please pray for an excellent job for my niece’s husband, a resolution to their marriage problems, enlightenment about their faith and a Catholic Home life for their chidren, very soon. Help me to deal with my illness with humility, acceptance and patience and to share those benefits with those who care for me. Help me to find the means to be financially secure without becoming a burden to my family. Most gratefully and humbly, Dolores
Saint Andre and Saint Joseph,
Please intercede on my behalf that I may find suitable employment and may be blessed with marriage and a family of my own. With much gratitude, DS
St Andre
please interced for me that I would be delivered from the rationalism that threatens my soul, that I would be able to find a good Catholic women to marry and be a good husband to her.
In thanksgiving, for the canonization of Bro Andre. For coming to know the intercession and devotion to St. Joseph much more closely. I will always honor the Patriach of the Holy Family and help spread this devotion and call to the intercession of both St. Andre and St. Joseph.
Blessed Andre, please pray to St Joseph for my son that he would find a job and come back to the sacraments, that a daughter would find a good catholic man to marry her and give her lots of children and souls for God and maybe a saint or two, that another daughter would come back to us and live with us as a family and that the rest of my children would come back to the faith for those that have left and remain in it for those who struggle.
One of my mom’s friend’s got some of Brother Andre’s healing oil & it healed a whole in her heart…the doctor even admitted it was a miracle!!!! I’m in need of some of this oil for our dear priest Father Everett;he is a true servant of God & is in desperate need of a miracle.This wonderful man has a way of touching the most lost of souls(me being one)and I desperatly want to help him.If you could please let me know how to get some of the healing oil I would be eternally greatful!!!God bless & thank you for your time.
Many Blessings,
Kimberly
Dear Kimberly,
Christ Jesus be praised! I suggest you contact the Oratory in Montreal:
http://www.saint-joseph.org/en_1007_index.asp
We do not have the oil here, but they have it there. I’m happy to hear of your miracle.
I have read the article on Father Andre.
Truly the Lord has said it and Father Andre has lived. Matt 19-30. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first
I have read the article on Father Andre’.
Truly the Lord has said it and Father Andre’ has lived it. Matt 19-30. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first
Father Andrea’ Pray for my wife, family, children, there husbands and my grand children, I am sure our Lord will give you the words.
In God’s Grace, Dale
Saint Andrea please pray for my wife and family to have good health.
Saint Andrea pray for us.
Thank you Blessed Brother André of St Joseph for the intercessions on behalf of my family and me. Continue to guide us in your footsteps.
Blessed Brother Andre…please help me and take away the pain in my right arm…I promise to be a better Catholic and attend Church regularly…thankyou
I have read the life story of this remarkable man and he so deserves to be canonized a Saint….Bless everyone Brother Andre and St Joseph
Blessed brother Andre, Please pray for my 18year old daughter who is spiraling down the wrong path into immorality…pray that she may be guided by the Holy Ghost to consecrate her life to God.
Bro Andre, please pray for my husband Victor – he was diagnozed with cancer. Please pray that the cancer cells will be disappear and replaced with healthy cells.
Thank you Saint Joseph and Bro. Andre
I believe that Brother Andre became a Father of nations and the Church at the time of his death. In no disrespect to the Church, being of Catholic origin brother Andre”s canonization is long over do and I am delighted to see this recognition as a true Christian saint being revealed. Father Andre, pray to the Good Father for the faith and safety of my family. Him that knows all things will give you the words. Dale
I thank God for all the many blessing I have and will receive in my life but I pray that perhaps the hearing of both my sons, Spencer and Gabriel, could be restored or improved. Spencer’s hearing is so severe in his one ear that he is close to being deaf. Gabriel’s eyesite has also declined since infancy. Glory be to God and to Brother Andre if my sons could receive a healing miracle. Amen
Brother Andre, please pray for my husband that he gets a job. He is 63 and just lost a job that he had for 3 months…he is very weiry to look for work at this age….he lost his job of 20 yrs. because of age …please ask God to look after him and guide and help him to find work…please ask God to bless my support group….and to hear my long family pttitions…thank you Brother Andre….
Dear Jesus & Mary & Joseph…I pray these petitions for the (9) Memorare prayers…and bind them in my Rosary…
and the Divine Mercy Chaplet… and The Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel
I pray for the salvation of my family, Me (Nina), Denny, Holly, Lucy, Henry, John, Zachary and Joshua and for all future spouses and grandchildren and consecrate each one of them to your Sacred Heart Dear Jesus and Mary’s Immaculate Heart. I pray that my children come back to the church and the sacraments. I pray that they see their sinfulness and know that they can be forgiven. Please Lord, don’t let their shame become self-righteous to the point that they don’t believe that God would forgive them…so, that when they all meet God face to face, not one of them turns away in shame, but stands before Him and acknowledges their sinfulness, and then accepts His Endless Love and Mercy for all of Eternity in Heaven! God’s Mercy is far BIGGER then all of our sins, so please Dear Jesus don’t let any of us sign our own death warrant, into hell, because we don’t believe that God will forgive us…
I pray for the salvation and conversion of each one of my family members…Me, Denny, Holly, Lucy, Henry, John, Zachary and Joshua and for all future spouses and grandchildren, and all of the people in each one of my family members lives., including our enemies. I pray for all of our bosses, Denny’s boss Glen ( & the new people), my boss, John’s boss, Zac’s boss, and Joshua’s boss “new” boss (hopefully Tim Dipple/and maybe partner) that God will be placing in his life shortly, & his old boss Kent, all of our co-workers, friends, neighbors, enemies, all of the people we have hurt and for all of the people who have hurt us; for all of the people that we serve and for all of the people who serve us; for all of our extended family members, especially, Leif and his family, Kim and Mili, Grechen and her family and Sara and her family ….I pray for our 5 godsons….John Eric Malm, George Matthews, Nick Elsmo, Zachary Sayles and Collin Hall….and for all of the people in each one of all of these peoples lives, including their enemies. Also, for Chrissy and Rebecca, my confirmation girls, and all of the people in their lives, including their enemies.
I also pray that none of my family members, Denny, Holly, Lucy, Henry, John, Zachary, Joshua, all future spouses, grandchildren or me, hurt or kill anyone by accident or in any manner…or are hurt or killed by accident or in any manner….And I pray for the repose of Robert Quinn’s soul and for his sister and family…(Joshua’s older neighbor…)
I pray that my family, Me, Denny, Holly, Lucy, Henry, John, Zachary and Joshua and for all future spouses and grandchildren to all get along and constantly, and daily, work on loving and respecting each other. Help us all to always work very hard on our family unity and harmony and for the welfare of the whole family, so, that the chain of the past sins can be broken with the blessing of Christ. I bind all of our jobs, (and Joshua’s new employer) homes and all that you have given, to each of us, in this Chaplet of St. Michael, Rosary, Chaplet and Memorare to your Scared Heart Dear Jesus and Mary’s Immaculate Heart and to God Our Father…We are all in different states, so, Dear Jesus please protect our family unity and keep us close…(Joshua may be moving home, to Maryland, to work-please anoint his way & bless his discernment & watch over Dina when he leaves…she will be broken hearted and so will Josh…it just wasn’t working out for them…)
I pray and bind this Rosary, tightly, around my heart, and consecrate my heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary…I tightly bind Denny’s heart in this Rosary, and consecrate his heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary…I tightly bind Holly’s heart in this Rosary, and consecrate her heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary…I tightly bind Lucy’s heart in this Rosary, and consecrate her heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary…I tightly bind Henry’s heart in this Rosary, and consecrate his heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary…I tightly bind John’s heart in this Rosary, and consecrate his heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary…I tightly bind Zachary’s heart in this Rosary, and consecrate his heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary…I tightly bind Joshua’s heart in this Rosary, and consecrate his heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary…and I tightly bind all future holy Roman Catholic spouses and grandchildren’s hearts and consecrate all of their heart’s to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary for protection, in the Will of God, from all evil and harm…
I pray for the health and well being in body, mind and spirit for each one of my family members Me, Denny, Holly, Lucy, Henry, John, Zachary and Joshua and for all future holy Roman Catholic spouses and grandchildren, and for Joshua to stay in remission from his cancer and live a healthy and productive life..may he forgive himself for all past errors of his ways and believe in his heart that people do trust him.….and for all of us to be free from any addiction to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, mental illness, obesity, depression or pornography…and hopefully if it is God’s Will to be disease free…and for Joshua’s total healing of his tattooed arm and keep it free from all infection…he has put St. Peregrine, St. Michael and Mary’s head from the Pieta on his arm to forever be grateful and to help him continue to move forward…Please Lord make him a powerful witness to you when asked about these tattoos…they are very powerful…
I pray for the spiritual healing in body, mind and spirit for each one of my family members Me, Denny, Holly, Lucy, Henry, John, Zachary and pray Joshua and for all future holy Roman Catholic spouses and grandchildren. Dear Jesus you know what each one of us needs to be in Heaven and I pray that the Holy Spirit comes down and pierces each one of my family member’s hearts and instills in each of us the desire to know, love, serve and adore you, until we are all in your loving arms in Heaven. Help each of us to be strong enough to pay the price for our sinfulness. Take away all of our fears, hardness of hearts and feelings of low self-esteem, lack of self worth, self-righteousness, pride, selfishness and greed, that any of us might/do have, and replace it with your strength and virtuous love, so, that each of us will have the courage to love and forgive each other and fulfill the purpose for which we were created, here on earth, for Your Greater Glory and for the Salvation of the World. Dear Jesus please do not let my children, grandchildren or future holy Roman Catholic spouses turn away from you in fear and trepidation …may they (and me and Denny) all have the strength, fortitude and love in their hearts, for you, when they see “the truth” standing before them…may they then ask for your forgiveness, bow before you and praise your Holy Name…And may we NOT EVER take our focus off of you Dear Jesus…
I pray, Dear Jesus, that you send someone, something or some thought, each day, to each one of my family members, to remind them of you, Dear Jesus, so, as to bring us all closer to you and for you, Dear Jesus, to become the Treasure of each of our Hearts…I pray, Dear Jesus, that you hear all of our prayers, even if/when my children and grandchildren do not know how to pray, please Dear Jesus hear the cry in their hearts and guide them, anoint them and direct them in the way that You want them to go. I send my guardian angel to help their guardian angels…Help them to see that Your Way is the best and only way for their well-being and Salvation. Help them to come to realize that everyone on earth has the same destiny and that all of us have only two places to chose when we die…Heaven or Hell. I pray that my family members, and all of the people on earth, chose HEAVEN! Father you always know what is best for each of us, because you see the whole picture…we only see the small snap shot. I pray that you help Zachary and Joshua to be the strong and loving men that you created them to be, in their relationships, with each other, and become strong Christian leaders in their households (single or married) or become strong, faithful and wonderful priests. Dear Jesus PLEASE release Joshua from the chains of alcohol, drugs, despair, pornography (?), and thinking that he can drink at all…also, give him the peace and acceptance that he needs to except having had cancer. I pray for Joshua’s sobriety and continued remission from cancer. Heal his body, and all of his infirmities especially his foot/heal and hand, from chemo nerve damage, and keep him from despair…Help him to see, in time, that his cancer was a gift, from you, (got at 18yrs.-now 30yrs.) for him to lift it up to the suffering cross of Christ, for the salvation of souls, help him to be a strong powerful witness for Christ to all who meet him…You have created him to be a tall (6’9”), strong young man, full of empathy and love, but he lives in fear Father…PLEASE help him… he is so good and tender…help him to see and feel your love for him, so that he can love himself, surround himself with strong healthy minded Christian people who will mentor him in the right way for his success and also help him to denounce satan so as to have eternal life. Dear J.M.J. help Joshua to fight the demons around him…his lack of faith …his not forgiving himself…or believing that people trust him……so that he can break free and live his life. Heal me, Den and Josh….Bring Josh back to the Roman Catholic Church and the Sacraments. Please Dear Jesus send Josh the job that you have created for him..he needs a job…please help him and may this job build him up and help him to make wise decisions. Help him JMJ to pray and discern about his decision about Dina and his whole life change that will be ahead of him, and please console dear precious Dina if he leaves her… Also, dear Jesus I pray that Zachary opens his heart to the words of truth. Move him away from relativism and instill in him the desire to seek the truth in Jesus Christ Our Precious Lord and Savior. Bring him back to the Roman Catholic Church and the Sacraments. He seems to block faith out in a polite manner…and lives by the “I’m okay you’re okay” method and has become lukewarm and politically correct in his thinking. He is also young, 32…please Lord do not let him deceive himself into thinking that relationships mean living together, etc. Help each to know in his heart, and act on, not living together before you get married. Zachary is so moldable and I feel that we failed him as parents…One of the virtues that you gave him was kindness and he is so kind that it hurts…do not let him fall prey to satan and fall into the trap of apathy and foolishness allowing others to steal his eternal life… I pray that Holly and John continue to be the wonderful parents that they are but also become strong Christian parents for the salvation of their family. Please Dear Jesus remove the scales from their eyes and help them to clearly see that they need you, dear Jesus, in their lives and the lives of their children. Open their hearts to your truth and pull them out of their “highly” material world…and bring them back to the Roman Catholic Church and the Sacraments. I pray that if it is your will that Lucy and Henry get into the school, in New York, of your will…hopefully, it will be a school that has some Christian religion because it will be the only Christian religion that they will have or experience away from us. Holly and John do not practice their Catholic faith, and do not take their children to church, or teach them about you, dear Jesus, at all. Lucy is 5 and goes to church with me…she likes church and thank goodness thru the grace of God both grandchildren are baptized…Unfortunately, Henry, who is now 2, might never get to a church during his young life…Oh Lord, may their parents come back to you in a passionate way thru Lucy’s “little love” for you. Also, I pray for a deep healing between me and Holly…only you alone can heal us dear JMJ. I pray that you pour your Mercy down upon all of us and cover each one of us in your powerful, protective and precious Blood…keeping us all safe from all evil and harm…
Dear Jesus you see my families’ future and what each one of our futures holds. You see the whole picture and know what we each need to be faithful Christians in Heaven. Please, Dear Jesus, anoint and lead each one of my family members to the people, the places and the resources that will help each of us to fulfill our purpose here on earth for the kingdom of God, and instill in all of us the desire to do only Your Will and not ours. Help us all to decrease so that You might increase. Dear Jesus, please instill in each of my children’s hearts & all future holy Roman Catholic spouses a sense of sin especially of their sinfulness so that they will desire to come back to the church and the sacraments. Dear Lord I know that each of my children believe in you in some small way, and I pray that you get into the depth of their hearts and open them up to your love… We all believe Lord…Help our unbelief! I pray that your Holy Fiery Angels of Protection and Mercy come down around each one of my family members, and me, and surrounds each of us, and keeps us all safe from all evil and harm. I pray, Mary, that you wrap your Mantle around me Denny, Holly, Lucy, Henry, John, Zachary and Joshua and all future holy Roman Catholic spouses and grandchildren…..and keep all of us close, to you, until the end of time….Mary, help each of us to know, love and be like you….humble and faithful…Help us all to fall madly in love with you, Mary, and honor and respect you as the most loving mother of Christ, and to pass this love on to others…I also pray for Dina Fox and her loving heart, and everyone in her life….please bring Dina back to the Roman Catholic Church and the Sacraments and protect her from all evil and harm…Mary wrap her in your mantel and keep her safe during this breakup time, with Josh….and if they are meant to be together don’t let it go to long & if not heal them both quickly…I also pray for Zach’s new girlfriend Lauren and all of the people in her life…
I pray that you bless the time that Denny and I have left on earth. Dear Jesus may we have some precious time during these ending years, together, especially during our, up and coming, retirement years. Bless Denny’s last years at Aecom and please bless his time and allow hi to have a job position until he does retire in 5 years. Please Lord let him leave with honor, integrity, ethical standards and on terrific terms and comfort in knowing that he can take care of us until we die…Anoint his time there and send Denny lots of work that will show his validity and assure him of a position. Send your holy fiery angels of protection and mercy to come down and protect Denny every single day he is working, from the corporate vipers. Be with him in all matters of business and help him to do a “stellar” job for the company and get recognized for all of his hard and great work. Give him the strength in Christ that he needs to finish this race, and help me to lift up my fears from being alone in the house etc and please charge your holy fiery angels of protection and mercy to come down and protect me during these years, and always, until he is back home….and the years afterwards. Guide us Father in all of our affairs in finances, and we pray in thanksgiving for your help in helping us to get our credit back in good standing. Dear Jesus don’t ever take your hand from our finances and decision making for the future. Guide us in what we should do to the house for improvements and help us to make the right decisions, thru prayer, always listening and being obedient to you, and guide us in all of our preparation for our retirement. Please bless and protect, with your Blood Dear Jesus, our retirement funds, our home, our last days, our surroundings, our health and our last years on earth. Father may these last years be somewhat stress free of monetary, health and family problems…but then again, we want Your Will to be done so give us what we need to live these days….Help us focus on Your Love and Mercy and to bring others to Christ through our lives and all that you have given us….Denny and I need to be able to enjoy each other, for the first time in our lives, and pray that it is Your Will for this to happen. Dear Jesus, as you already know (silly me) we started our marriage with a child, from my first marriage, and after 2 more children have never been alone in our marriage. We are still separated…Den was transferred to Boston, without any counsel, so, we are living apart until he comes home…You know all of this dear Jesus and we lift up all of our sorrows and sufferings, in this time frame of our lives, for your greater glory and pray that you continue to pour you Grace and Mercy down upon us to help us get thru these years….Help us to be strong faithful parents and grandparents so that we can help in the salvation of our children, grandchildren and their spouses. Keep us faithful to you Dear Jesus until the end and may neither Denny nor I… nor the rest of our family die alone….May each of us be surrounded by family and friends to pray us into Heaven. Dear JMJ please make sure that each of us has a blessed Rosary, in our hands, and that we are all buried by a Roman Catholic priest at a Roman Catholic Mass.
I pray that St. Michael goes before Joshua, that St. Raphael is on his left and St. Gabriel on his right….with Jesus, Mary and Joseph behind him and his Guardian Angel behind them all…keeping him safe from all evil and harm until the end of time….I pray that St. Michael goes before Zachary, that St. Raphael is on his left and St. Gabriel on his right….with Jesus, Mary and Joseph behind him and his Guardian Angel behind them all…keeping him safe from all evil and harm until the end of time….I pray that St. Michael goes before Holly, Lucy, Henry and John that St. Raphael is on their left and St. Gabriel on their right….with Jesus, Mary and Joseph behind them and their Guardian Angels behind them all…keeping them all safe from all evil and harm until the end of time…. I pray that St. Michael goes before Lauren, Zachary’s present girlfriend, that St. Raphael is on her left and St. Gabriel on her right….with Jesus, Mary and Joseph behind her and her Guardian Angel behind them all…keeping her safe from all evil and harm until the end of time….and that they get married soon and stop the living together… I pray that St. Michael goes before Denny, that St. Raphael is on his left and St. Gabriel on his right….with Jesus, Mary and Joseph behind him and his Guardian Angel behind them all…keeping him safe from all evil and harm until the end of time….I pray that St. Michael goes before me (Nina), that St. Raphael is on my left and St. Gabriel on my right….with Jesus, Mary and Joseph behind me and my Guardian Angel behind them all…keeping me safe from all evil and harm until the end of time….I also pray that my family puts on the “Armor of God.” May each of us “put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17) I bind my whole family and pray that if I should die, that these prayers continue to cover each one of my family members and protect them, along with the Blood of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, until all of us are in Heaven, together, in the arms of God… Our Precious Lord and Savior…and I pray… Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host – by the Divine Power of God – cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls….Especially, those in my very own family….Amen.
I pray for all of the souls in purgatory, especially those who have no one to pray for them, the forgotten dead, my parents and al of all relatives…and I pray that all of the souls pray for me and my family to be in Heaven.
I pray for my Guardian Angel and the Guardian Angels of each one of my family members…(Denny, Holly, Lucy, Henry, John, Zachary and Joshua and for all future holy Roman Catholic spouses and grandchildren – Please, dear Jesus, lead Joshua to the good job, the one that you have created for him…and if it is your will that he come back home please dear Jesus may he be sober and free from all of his infirmities that keep him in despair and be ready to finally live his life and not run from it anymore so as to be a powerful witness to you, especially in telling the stories behind his tattoos…keep them from all infections and harm. I pray for Joshua’s strong and faithful sobriety!
Dear Jesus he is looking for work…may you guide him, Lord, to a stable job that will bring him peace and fulfillment…and heal ALL of his infirmities…and allow him to live his life as you intended for him to live….Also, for his possible job with Tim Dipple
And I pray that he forgives me and Denny..and that Denny opens and pierces Joshua’s heart with abundant love, forgiveness and trust..I pray for God’s Will to be done….and ask you dear Jesus to allow Joshua to be able to start his own business with wisdom, strength , common sense, God’s leadership, open to guidance, walking the steps, all the while having a grateful heart putting God first in all that he does…and becomes successful and content in full-filling a dream that he has had…and hopefully god has for him…but to always be open to the Will of God…
I pray for all those who are going to die today, especially those who are on their way to Hell, and for all of the souls who are dying at this very moment… I pray for Pope Benedict the Sixteenth…and for all world leaders…protect our country and all of the world from all terrorists, and especially the USA from Obama’s communistic beliefs and the abominational thinking, of the President Obama, about signing the FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act) which will cause more deaths of millions of children all over the world and in any month of pregnancy. I pray for an end to the Obama Presidency and all of his cabinet.members.
I pray for an end to abortion all over the world and a change of hearts for Obama and all pro-choice people, especially those in my own family…Holly, John, Zach, Dina, and any future and extended family members…and me and Den (we participated in birth control…)
I pray for all holy priests and religious, all over the world, & especially for Fr. Paul Henry, Fr. John Corapi, Fr. Ron Barker, Fr. Sy and Fr. Abel, Fr. Hilton, Fr. Jude, Fr. Noche and Fr. Collin and all of the priests at St. Ignatius and Loyola College and all of the priests that have been in my families lives in the past, present and all priests who will come into our futures…I also pray for vocations to the priesthood…and Dear Jesus if I had converted earlier, and known earlier in my life, I would have consecrated my sons, Zachary and Joshua, to the priesthood in my womb, so Dear Lord if it is your Will I am doing this now, because with you all things are possible…
I pray for all of the souls involved with abortion, all over the world, and for all aborted babies throughout time, especially those who are in my very own family…and I pray for an end to all abortion all over the world.
I pray for all of the people who have turned away from God, all atheists, communists, terrorists, lukewarm, prideful, materialist & harden hearts and for the Salvation of every soul that you have created since the beginning of time-throughout all of the ages – to the present time and until the end of time and for the salvation of the whole world and every living soul in it…especially all those who make me fall out of grace…Please dear Jesus “guard my heart and my tongue,” and all of my family members, and help me to use them only for your greater glory…so, that I do not become bitter , depressed, lost and full of despair.
I pray for all of the prayers that are on the hearts of each one of my extended family members. I pray for a true and beautiful forgiving healing of my brothers and sisters…my parents left a legacy of dysfunction….please heal us so that we can all break the chain of their sinfulness and most of all forgive them, and each other, and I pray for the repose of my parents, Ione and Ralph Elsmo, souls. Help me to forgive them…
I pray in thanksgiving for ALL of the prayers that you have answered…and will be answering for me and my family.
I pray, Dear Jesus, that you bring forgiveness and love to the hearts of Holly and Denny…and me and Holly, Holly and Josh and Josh and Zachary….help us dear Jesus to forgive each other and see the depth of each persons struggle. Only you know what is needed to heal our relationships from past negligence and hurt. Help us Jesus to humbly forgive and love unconditionally and expect nothing in return…help Holly to forgive me , and anyone else who has hurt her, especially her natural father Jack, and soften her heart it is so hard.
I pray J.M.J. that you totally protect Joshua, guide him and send him wise Christian people to mentor him in finding what he needs to do what he wants in his life for his life work…you know what it is, dear Jesus, Please direct him in the right direction and most importantly bring him back to church so that he can talk this all out with you….and I pray this for all of my children.
I pray Dear JMJ that you bless Joshua’s eight AA meetings and help him to open his heart for more recovery. Open his heart to knowing that he can do nothing without you and that he needs to stop drinking completely. Let him not ever forget what happened to him to that he stays close to you, and Mary, and does nothing without your love and consent. Protect him and all of the people in his meetings and all of the people involved in his horrible incident. May all of the people in his AA class wake up and get sober…
I pray for all of the people who have asked for my prayers, especially the Bible Study petitions, choir and prison ministries…
I pray that the national health bill does not pass in it’s present form and that wise, reasonable, faithful, healthy God fearing men create a new bill for the well being of the USA.
I pray for healing between Holly and me and the family.
I pray for the root of my eating disorder to be revealed and healed so that I can desire, and stick with it, to lose weight…and everyone else who struggles with the addiction to food..
I pray for peace in the world and the salvation of the world…
I pray for the protection of Zachary in his new home and in thanksgiving for all that you have given him…please bring him back to you dear Jesus and if it is your Will that Lauren and Zachary get married as to get out of their sinfulness in living together…
I pray for John (at Loyola) that Jesus totally heals his eye disease….and thank you for not letting me have Glaucoma…
I pray for the salvation of people in each one of my family members lives Denny, Holly, Lucy, Henry, John, Zachary, Joshua and for all future holy Roman Catholic spouses and all people in each of our lives including our enemies.
I pray that you find Joshua a good job maybe Chuck will approach him and sell his business to him…May Josh have a easy and calm time getting his license change in Maryland. And getting health insurance…Thank you for the letter from Kent the Cobra insurance…and Dear Jesus please send to Josh the holy Roman Catholic woman that you have created for him….and May you PLEASE heal Joshua with me and Denny…immediately! Bless Denny tonight when he talks and please open Joshua’s heart to him and open Dennys’ hear to Josh….Lord please send a miracle for Josh to receive his medical insurance from MHIP…You know how important it is for him to have and he has to start to be on his own….
I pray Dear Jesus that you anoint, and watch over Tim Dipple and Joshua, and bless their work together with your precious blood and protect both of them from evil and harm… and if it is your Will allow them to work beautifully together complimenting each other and becoming very good friends, strong Christian and ethical men which would lead into a strong and healthy working partnership for a long time. Bless their work and the jobs and people that they encounter. May Joshua finally get back on his feet and become the man that you have created him to be….thank you for his liscense/tax number and I pray that it is your will for him to fulfill his dream of having his own successful business…
I pray thank you for Denny’s new job that you found for him in one month! May he do a wonderful and stellar job for them thru your name….Jesus…thank you ..thank you Jesus! The job is God’s Will for him…he lost his job of 23 years on July 3rd, 2009….Thank you for finding him this job with Hess Construction Co…bless everyone in the company and give Denny what he needs to do the 150mile drive each day…hank you dear Jesus for all that you have given him in this ordeal…xoxo He lost this job, after 3 months, they did not need him- dear Jesus PLEASE find him another job! Thank you Father…
I pray- that if your will be done…you bless my support groups and book for the wives whose husbnds have lost their jobs…thank you dear Jesus xoxo
I pray that my children come to know that they can do nothing without the Holy Eucharist…and then knowing you deeply dear Jesus, and make you the “treasure” of their hearts..I pray this for my grandchildren and also for all future spouses and me and Den…
I pray for you to send to Joshua the woman that you have created for him….please Lord may it be soon….
I pray Dear Jesus that you instill, in me, the desire to pray these prayers tomorrow, and every day, for the rest of my life. I love you deeply dear Jesus…don’t ever let me go and always help me, and my family, to forever desire and stay close to you. Amen!
Blessed Father Andre please heal me from my disease with the intercession of St. Joseph.
In God’s Grace I thank you.
Amen
Fabiola
Dear Blessed Brother Andre’ through the intercession of St. Joseph please pray for my health issues especially the arthritis in my hands.
Please Brother Andre help our family. My husband and I have lost our jobs and he was able to find work but it is 6 hours away, for $6,000 less than he was making and the cost of housing is eating up his salary. I cannot move until I sell the house and we have rescued animals relying on us. Today I have someone who may be interested in the house, please pray that he makes me an offer and one I can accept and get us moved. We are not asking for a lot of money, just enough to buy us a simple property and house for all of us. We don’t mind fixing it up, and not afraid of work, but I am afraid of our family being apart and not seeing any other remedy or we will lose the house for non payment of mortgage. Please Brother Andre and St. Joseph hear our prayers and ask Jesus for his help and allow the man to buy the house today. Amen