St. Andre Bessette Patron Saint of Caregivers

St. Andre Bessette, also known as Brother Andre, was a Canadian Roman Catholic religious brother and healer who is known for his devotion to St. Joseph and for his miraculous intercessions. He was born on August 9, 1845, in the village of Saint-Grégoire d’Iberville, Quebec, Canada, and was the ninth of twelve children. His parents were poor farmers, and Andre was raised in poverty and hardship.

At a young age, Andre was struck with a series of illnesses that left him weak and frail. Despite his poor health, he was determined to become a priest and entered the seminary at the age of 18. However, due to his poor health and lack of education, he was unable to complete his studies and was forced to return home.

After returning home, Andre worked as a farmhand and a janitor to support himself. He also began to develop a deep devotion to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. He began to pray to St. Joseph for healing and guidance, and he attributed many of the miraculous healings and blessings he received to the intercession of St. Joseph.

St. Andre and the Congregation of Holy Cross

In 1887, Andre joined the Congregation of Holy Cross, a religious order of priests and brothers. He was not ordained as a priest, but he took the name Brother Andre and dedicated his life to serving others. He worked as a doorkeeper at the College Notre-Dame in Montreal, where he welcomed visitors and tended to the needs of the sick and the poor.

Over time, Brother Andre became known for his compassion and his miraculous intercessions. Many people came to him seeking healing and guidance, and he was credited with numerous miraculous healings and blessings. He became known as a “miracle worker,” and his fame spread throughout Canada and beyond.

In 1904, Brother Andre founded the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal, which became a popular place of pilgrimage for those seeking healing and guidance. He worked tirelessly to care for the sick and the poor, and he was deeply devoted to his work.

Brother Andre died on January 6, 1937, at the age of 91. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Today, he is remembered and honored as a saint and a model of devotion, compassion, and selflessness.

Popular St. Andre Bessette Medal and Rosary

Prayers to St. Andre Bessette

Dear St. Andre Bessette,

You were a man of great compassion and dedication, always striving to serve and help others. You devoted your life to caring for the sick and the poor, and you became known for your miraculous intercessions and your devotion to St. Joseph.

Through your tireless efforts, you made a difference in the lives of countless people and inspired others to follow in your footsteps.

I ask for your intercession and guidance as I strive to serve and help those in need. May your example inspire me to be selfless and compassionate, always looking for ways to make a positive difference in the world.

Please help me to find the strength and courage to follow in your footsteps and to be a source of comfort and support to those who are suffering. May I always be guided by your example and the teachings of Jesus.

Amen.

Churches Dedicated to St. Andre Bessette

Throughout the world, and particularly in Canada there are multiple Catholic churches named in honor of St. Andre Bessette. In the United States there are 5 churches:

• St. Andre Bessette Ecorse, Michigan
• St. Andre Bessette Parish Laconia New Hampshire
• St. Andre Bessette Portland, Oregon
• St. Andre Bessette Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania

Significant Catholic Churches in Canada dedicated to St. Andre Bessette include

• Basilica of St. Joseph’s Oratory, Montreal, Canada
• St. Andre Bessette Catholic Church, Portland, Oregon, United States
• St. Andre Bessette Parish, Milton, Ontario, Canada
• St. Andre Bessette Church, North York, Ontario, Canada
• St. Andre Bessette Church, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
• St. Andre Bessette Church, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
• St. Andre Bessette Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• St. Andre Bessette Church, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Saints Similar to St. Andre Bessette

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Joseph. St. Andre Bessette, also known as Brother André, and St. Joseph share a devotion to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. St. Andre Bessette was a humble religious brother known for his healing ministry and devotion to St. Joseph. St. Joseph is a prominent figure in Christianity. Next up: Biography of St. Andrew Kim Taegon

 

Also check out our handmade St. Andre Bessette Medal and St. Andre Bessette Rosary and St. Andre Bessette Rosary Bracelet.