Saint Andre Bessette

The beauty of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal is that we have the prayers for our recent saints in the Church. Today is a wonderful example as we keep the memorial of Saint Andre Bessette. Saint Andre is a North American Saint and a saint of our own time period. "In 1982, Blessed John Paul II beatified Andre Alfred Bessette of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Canada. A man of prayer to whom people came for counsel, the humble 'Brother Andre' was the moving spirit behind the construction of the imposing basilica of Saint Joseph in Montreal. He was notable for his great devotion to Saint Joseph. He was canonized by Benedict XVI in 2010" (Magnificat, 84-85). Even in the Collect for Mass we hear, "Lord our God, friend of the lowly, who gave your servant, Saint Andre Bessette, a great devotion to Saint Joseph and a special commitment to the poor and afflicted, help us through his intercession to follow his example of prayer and love and so come to share with him in your glory" (85). We make that prayer our own as we strive to follow the example of the holy men and women who have gone before us. We pray that our devotion to Saint Joseph will also grow because that divine assistance is there for us at all times. Saint Andre Bessette, pray for us!!!