Brother André: Celebrating Canada's newest saint
By Catholic Register Editorial
On October 17 Brother André, founder of Montreal's St. Joseph's Oratory, will become just the second Canadian-born saint when he is canonized at a Vatican ceremony presided over by Pope Benedict XVI. To celebrate the event, The Catholic Register has produced its own homage to the life of this remarkable man.
In a series of articles and photos, we have examined the life and legacy of Brother Andre, a poor, illiterate, orphan who, after moving between several menial jobs, was accepted by the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montreal where he lived a remarkable life of faith, hope and charity until his death in 1937. He is credited with hundreds of miraculous healings and, through his determined efforts, became the driving force behind construction of the spectacular St. Joseph Oratory atop Mount Royal in Montreal.
In addition to an in-depth biography of his life, we examined his road to canonization after his death in 1937, visited his birthplace and spoke to a relative about his famous great-uncle, and interviewed a man who, as a child, was cured by Brother Andre. We also interviewed the postulator of Brother Andre's cause as well as his biographer.
Brother Andre founded St. Joseph Oratory, so we examine his contribution to its creation and report on the thousands of pilgrims who still visit the marvellous shrine in search of a miracle cure. We also review the troubled state of the Church in Quebec and ask if having a home-grown saint might encourage Quebeckers to rekindle their faith.
The institution of sainthood dates back hundreds of years and we recount its long history, review the process of becoming a saint and remember Canada's other saints, as well as our blessed and venerable who, someday, may be canonized.
This section is the product of weeks of labour by all of us at The Register. We hope you enjoy it.
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