J.M.J. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI canonized Saint Andre', "the Wonder Worker of Montreal," whose Memorial is today.
In his Homily during the Canonization Mass on Sunday, October 17, 2010, Pope Benedict said:
"Bro. André Bessette, a native of Quebec in Canada, and a religious of the
Congregation of the Holy Cross, experienced suffering and poverty at a very
early age. They led him to have recourse to God through prayer and an intense
inner life. As porter of the College of Notre Dame in Montreal, he demonstrated
boundless charity and strove to relieve the distress of those who came to
confide in him. With very little education, he had nevertheless understood where
the essential of his faith was situated. For him, believing meant submitting
freely and through love to the divine will. Wholly inhabited by the mystery of
Jesus, he lived the beatitude of pure of heart, that of personal rectitude. It
is thanks to this simplicity that he enabled many people to see God. He had
built the Oratory of St Joseph of Mount Royal, whose faithful custodian he
remained until his death in 1937. He was the witness of innumerable cures and
conversions. 'Do not seek to have your trials removed', he said, 'ask rather for
the grace to bear them well'. For him, everything spoke of God and of God's
presence. May we, in his footsteps, seek God with simplicity in order to
discover Him ever present in the heart of our life! May the example of Bro.
André inspire Canadian Christian life!"
May this son of Mary pray for us, our families and all those whom we know.
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