Saint of the Day

01 · Read · A life to discover

St. André Bessette

André Bessette was a Canadian religious brother whose work as a porter brought him into contact with people seeking help, comfort, and prayer. Born Alfred Bessette, he became closely associated with devotion to Saint Joseph and the pilgrimage shrine on Montreal's Mount Royal.

His service at Collège Notre-Dame placed him at a doorway rather than in a prominent teaching or administrative position. That ordinary point of contact became central to his ministry. He listened to people in difficulty and encouraged them to seek Saint Joseph's intercession.

The oratory preserves accounts of healings attributed to that intercession. Its account of André's canonization also describes the examination of testimony, his reputation for holiness, and reported healings. Popular affection alone was not the same thing as formal recognition by the Church.

He died on January 6, 1937. Benedict XVI canonized him on October 17, 2010, after a lengthy cause. The shrine continues his legacy through pilgrimage, prayer, and pastoral care for sick and elderly visitors. It identifies January 7 as his liturgical feast, illustrating that a local celebration and the anniversary of a saint's death need not be identical.

January 6 is the Vatican News commemoration of André Bessette; the Canadian celebration on January 7 remains in his biography. This saint is included on this recurring date in the U.S. Roman Rite calendar published by the USCCB. This reading guide gives U.S. calendar saints priority; the Mass celebrated on a particular year’s date can differ because of Sundays, seasons or higher-ranking celebrations.