Podcast Summary: Catholic Saints – Episode on St. André Bessette

Introduction

In the January 6, 2025 release of the Augustine Institute's podcast Catholic Saints, host Mary McKeon welcomes listener to a deep dive into the life of St. André Bessette, a revered modern saint of the Catholic Church. Accompanied by Dr. Elizabeth Klein, a scripture scholar, the episode explores the humble beginnings, profound devotion, and miraculous legacy of Brother André, inspiring believers to understand the transformative power of God's love through the lives of His saints.

Biography of St. André Bessette

St. André Bessette, born in 1845 in Montreal, Quebec, was one of twelve children. Tragically orphaned at the age of nine due to his father's death in a work accident and his mother's demise from tuberculosis, André was taken in by his aunt and uncle. Despite his hardships, André led a life marked by simplicity and piety. With limited education and modest literacy, he found his calling early on. In his early twenties, the pastor of his parish recognized his saintly character, declaring, “I’m sending to you a saint” (00:36). This acknowledgment led André to join the Holy Cross Brothers, an order dedicated to education, where he took his final vows two years later.

As Brother André, he held humble roles within the community—washing doors, doing laundry, and cutting hair—embodying the virtues of humility and service. His commitment to these duties lasted throughout his long life, extending until his death in 1927 at the age of 91.

Devotion and Miracle Work

Brother André’s profound devotion to St. Joseph became the cornerstone of his spiritual life. He regularly prayed for the sick and often provided oil from St. Joseph's Chapel as a blessing to those in need. This simple pious act resonated deeply with many, leading to an influx of individuals seeking his prayers. Dr. Klein shares a personal anecdote illustrating Brother André’s influence: “While I was visiting a friend in Montreal before I was Catholic... we went to St. Joseph's Oratory... and I became Catholic” (00:40).

His unwavering faith and the power of his prayers reportedly resulted in millions of healing miracles. According to historical accounts discussed in the episode, during his ten years at St. Joseph's Oratory, Brother André was instrumental in facilitating approximately 30,000 healing miracles (07:33). These miracles were primarily physical healings, as evidenced by the numerous crutches and canes left in the oratory's bins—tangible testimonies of his intercessory power (08:24).

Impact and Legacy

St. André Bessette's miraculous works and humble service led to the construction of the magnificent St. Joseph's Oratory on Mount Royal, a major pilgrimage site in Montreal. His legacy extended beyond the Catholic community, attracting even Protestants seeking healing, which underscores the universal appeal and impact of his faith (14:27).

In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Brother André, making him the first Canadian national to be canonized (02:44). This recognition highlighted his significant contribution to the faith and his role in inspiring countless individuals worldwide. Dr. Klein emphasizes, “Andre really emphasized that God is so close to us and how powerful it is” (12:19), reflecting how his life and miracles demonstrated the tangible presence of God's love.

Personal Reflections and Insights

Throughout the episode, both Mary McKeon and Dr. Elizabeth Klein reflect on the broader implications of Brother André's life. Dr. Klein remarks, “God can do the greatest things to the least. And our Lord chose to become poor and be among the poor” (18:16), drawing parallels between Brother André and other saints like Mother Teresa who exemplified love and humility through simple, selfless actions.

They discuss the significance of saints like Brother André in renewing the Church from within, rather than relying solely on hierarchical structures. Dr. Klein states, “It's usually through the lowly that the church is renewed” (12:18), highlighting the powerful impact of humble service and unwavering faith in fostering spiritual revival.

A poignant miracle story shared in the episode involved a young girl whose eye was crushed by an oar during a school activity. Despite two doctors deeming her condition incurable, after nine days of prayers and blessings by Brother André, the girl's sight was mysteriously restored (16:01). This story not only exemplifies the miraculous but also emphasizes the communal and heartfelt nature of Brother André’s intercessions.

Conclusion

St. André Bessette's life is a testament to the profound impact of faith, humility, and unwavering devotion. Through his simple yet powerful actions, he demonstrated how God's love can manifest in miraculous ways, touching thousands of lives. As Mary McKeon beautifully summarizes, Brother André embodied “the great faith of God's goodness and greatness today” (18:27). His legacy continues to inspire believers to seek God's presence in everyday acts of kindness and service, reinforcing the enduring truth that holiness can be found in the most unassuming lives.

For those interested in delving deeper into Brother André’s life and miracles, Dr. Klein recommends the book "The Miracle Worker of Mount Royal", available online, which offers an in-depth historical account of his extraordinary contributions (18:41).

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Elizabeth Klein (13:12): "When you say to God our Father, he has his ear right next to your lips. There is so little distance between heaven and earth that God always hears us."

• Mary McKeon (18:27): "The great faith of God's goodness and greatness today."

Timestamps Overview

• Introduction: 00:05 – 02:08
• Biography: 02:11 – 06:12
• Devotion and Miracles: 06:13 – 10:19
• Impact and Legacy: 10:19 – 14:34
• Personal Reflections: 14:34 – 18:46

Final Thoughts

The episode on St. André Bessette serves as a profound reminder of the enduring power of faith and the extraordinary ways in which saints can influence the lives of the faithful. By exploring Brother André’s humble beginnings, unwavering devotion, and the miraculous legacies he left behind, listeners are encouraged to seek a deeper connection with God and recognize the potential for holiness in their own lives.