The Humble Doorkeeper to St Joseph

In 1962, during his first visit to NASA, President John F. Kennedy noticed a janitor walking down a hallway with a broom in his hand. Curious, the President asked him what he did at NASA. The man replied with quiet pride, “I’m helping put a man on the moon.”

That simple response captured a powerful truth: greatness is not defined by position, but by purpose. This same spirit marked the life of one of the humblest saints of the Catholic Church – an illiterate doorkeeper who nearly died at birth, yet lived into his nineties, and whose funeral drew more than a million mourners.

He was known simply as friend, brother, saint.

This man was Saint André Bessette. A humble porter with an unshakable faith, he had an extraordinary devotion to Saint Joseph. To everyone who came to him with troubles, questions, or suffering, his advice was always the same: “Go to Joseph.”

His love for Saint Joseph inspired him to dream of building a small shrine in Joseph’s honor. When he approached his superiors, he was told plainly, “We have no money. You will have to raise it yourself.” Undeterred, Brother André began giving haircuts for a small fee and collecting modest donations. Slowly, patiently, a small hut took shape.

That humble beginning grew far beyond anyone’s expectations. Today, that modest chapel has become Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal in Canada – the largest church in the world dedicated to Saint Joseph. The magnificent, ten-storey structure can accommodate thousands of worshippers at Mass and provides space for ten thousand candles. Inside, countless canes left behind by those who experienced healing bear silent witness to faith, hope, and gratitude.

I may have leapt ahead in my enthusiasm, but such is the life of this remarkable saint – the first member of the Congregation of Holy Cross to be canonized. The Congregation continues its mission worldwide, especially in family ministry and education.

My own connection with the Holy Cross Fathers began years ago, when they conducted parents’ faith formation sessions every Sunday morning in our Parish alongside our children’s catechism classes. Week after week, we were enriched by the wisdom of the late Fr. Hervé Morisette, CSC, one of India’s leading voices in catechesis, and by Fr. Arulraj Gali, CSC, former General Councillor of the Congregation of Holy Cross. It was through Fr. Arulraj that I first heard of Brother André Bessette, sparking a quiet but lasting interest.

When I later decided to write this article to introduce this “hidden” saint to many Christians, Fr. Arulraj connected me with Fr. Jomon Kalladanthiyil, CSC – Provincial Vicar of the Canadian Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross and Custodian of the Major Reliquary of Saint André Bessette. The generous insights and guidance of Fr. Jomon have been invaluable in shaping this article.

And so, with gratitude and joy, here begins the story of the humble doorkeeper saint.

• Birth and Early Life:
  • Alfred Bessette, later known as Brother André, was born on August 9, 1845, in Saint-Grégoire d’Iberville, Quebec.
  • He was the eighth of twelve children in a poor family. His father, a carpenter, died when Alfred was nine; his mother passed away three years later. He became an orphan at twelve.
  • Weak in health, small in stature, and with little formal education, no one would have expected this young orphan to become one of the most beloved saints of Canada.
• Struggles:
  • Tried many trades but was too frail to keep steady work.
  • Finally, he was accepted into the Congregation of Holy Cross as a lay brother. His only assigned task was to be the porter, or doorkeeper, at Collège Notre-Dame in Montreal.
  • He said jokingly: “When I joined the community, they showed me the door – and I stayed there for 40 years.”
• Reputation as “the Miracle Man”:
  • Though a humble porter, Brother André became known for his deep faith, compassion, and extraordinary healings through the intercession of Saint Joseph, his lifelong devotion.
  • Thousands of people came to see him, seeking healing of body, mind, and soul.

Biblical Link

• Like David, the shepherd boy who became king (1 Samuel 16:7), God chose the small, the weak, and the humble to do great things.
• “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Spirituality of Humility and Simplicity

• Humility as Foundation:
  • Brother André was convinced that he was only an instrument in God’s hands.
  • He often said: “I am nothing… only a tool in the hands of Providence.”
  • He never claimed credit for the miracles; he pointed always to Saint Joseph.
• Life of Prayer:
  • His day was centered on prayer, even while welcoming guests at the door.
  • He spent hours each evening in the chapel, speaking simply with God and Saint Joseph.
  • He encouraged others: “When you invoke Saint Joseph, you don’t have to talk much. Say, ‘If you were in my place, Saint Joseph, what would you do? Well, pray for this on my behalf.’”
• Biblical Link:
  • Humility of Mary: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
  • Jesus himself taught: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29).
  • Brother André lived this gentle humility every day.
• Lesson:
  • In a world that prizes fame, talent, and wealth, Brother André shows that holiness and greatness come from being faithful in little things, with love and trust.

 Devotion to Saint Joseph and the Oratory

• Saint Joseph, the Great Protector:
  • Brother André had an unshakable trust in Saint Joseph.
  • From a young age, he encouraged people to turn to Joseph as a father and protector.
  • He used to give out small medals of Saint Joseph and recommend the use of blessed oil from a lamp that burned in front of Joseph’s statue.
• The Dream of a Shrine:
  • He longed for a chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph on Mount Royal.
  • With a few donations and a lot of persistence, a small wooden chapel was built in 1904.
  • Over time, with the help of countless pilgrims, it grew into Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, today the largest shrine in the world dedicated to Saint Joseph.
• Quote:
  • “It is Saint Joseph who has done everything for me. I do not do miracles. Go to Joseph.”
• Biblical Link:
  • Joseph, the just man, protector of Jesus and Mary (Matthew 1:19-25).
  • Just as Joseph cared for the Holy Family, Brother André believed he continues to care for the Church and each one of us.
• Lesson:
  • Don’t be afraid of small beginnings. God can use your smallest steps of faith to build something much greater than you ever imagined.

The Miracle Man of Mount Royal

• Healing Ministry:
  • Thousands flocked to Brother André, seeking prayers for healing.
  • Crutches, braces, and other signs of healings still line the walls of the Oratory.
  • People reported recoveries from physical illness, inner peace, reconciliations in families, and conversions of heart.
• Brother André’s Attitude:
  • He never considered himself the source of healing.
  • He insisted: “People say I perform miracles. It is God, through Saint Joseph, who heals.”
  • For him, the greatest miracle was not the physical healing, but when people turned their hearts to God.
• Biblical Link:
  • Like Peter and John before the crippled man at the temple gate: “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6).
  • Brother André did not give riches, but he gave faith, hope, and healing in Christ.
• Lesson:
  • Miracles are real, but the greatest miracle is the conversion of the heart.
  • God can use your prayer, even if you feel weak, to bring healing and hope to others.

Legacy and Call to Us Today

• Death and Canonization:
  • Brother André died on January 6, 1937.
  • More than a million people filed past his coffin, showing how deeply he had touched lives.
  • He was canonized a saint by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010.
• His Spiritual Legacy:
  • Simplicity of life.
  • Deep trust in God’s providence.
  • Love and devotion to Saint Joseph.
  • Compassionate service to others.
• Quote:
  • “Do not try to have your struggles taken away. Rather, try to see the hand of God in what you are given.”
• Biblical Link:
  • Romans 12:12 – “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
  • Brother André lived this and invites us to the same path.
• Message:
  • God does not ask you to be the strongest, the most educated, or the most famous.
  • He asks you to be faithful, humble, and trusting.
  • Like Brother André, you can be a door – an open door – for others to encounter God’s love.

Thoughts to Ponder Upon

We need to look at Saint André not as someone distant, but as a friend and guide.

Asking:

• How can I live humility in my vocation?
• How can I invite Saint Joseph to walk with me?
• How can I be a source of healing and hope in my family and community?

Recent Miracles Through Saint Brother André’s Intercession

Since his canonization, Saint Brother André’s relics continue to be venerated, and thousands pray through his intercession at Saint Joseph’s Oratory, experiencing blessings and miraculous interventions. His presence and compassion are still felt today, as modern miracles are regularly reported at the Oratory, where people of all faiths come to pray.  Here are two recent stories of hope and healing, shared by those who believe they have received Saint Brother André’s blessing.

The sacred journey of the Major Reliquary of Saint Brother André, a poignant testament to the life and devotion of a remarkable soul, is in the Cathedral of Saint-Hyacinthe. The Major Reliquary, comprised of a fragment of Saint André Bessette’s heart, adorned with a medallion and stone from the revered Oratory, symbolizes a divine connection to the miraculous legacy of this extraordinary man. Since the Canonization, the Major Reliquary has embarked on a spiritual odyssey, drawing millions into prayer services, thanksgiving Masses, fostering veneration, and becoming a conduit for divine blessings. Testimonials of healing and well-being abound, attesting to the transcendent power of Brother André’s intercession.  All faithful people who venerate the Relic of Saint Brother André also are anointed with the Oil of St. Joseph. It’s a French tradition that Brother André used to bless people with the holy oil of St. Joseph. The Oil of St. Joseph is taken from in front of the statue of St. Joseph and blessed by a priest before using it to bless people.

Saint André Bessette’s legacy lives on, reminding us of the power of faith, humility, and the profound love of God that flows through the Saints.

Fr. Jomon Kalladanthiyil writes:

Miracle 1

One of my friends, a young father of three with the youngest barely six months old, faced a terrifying diagnosis: cancer. The news shook his entire family to the core. Suddenly, their dreams and simple hopes were clouded by uncertainty and fear. He had to stop working and focus on an intense treatment regimen – regular chemotherapy sessions, endless hospital stays, and the heart-wrenching transformation that cancer inflicts. His wife, already caring for their three young children, was torn between the demands of home and the hospital. This young father’s strength and spirit began to crumble, and he confided in me, asking why God would allow such suffering in his life.

Seeing his despair, I suggested that he and his family turn to prayer, specifically to Saint Brother André, known for his miraculous intercession. I encouraged them to do a novena and told him to go to the Oratory of Saint Joseph, lay his hands on Brother André’s tomb, and pray deeply for healing and strength. With every ounce of faith left in him, he committed to these prayers, pouring out his heart daily, asking for the healing he so desperately needed.

Months passed, and then, one day, he came to see me again, his face filled with an indescribable light. After completing his latest check-up, doctors confirmed that his tumour had vanished – completely. His health restored; he was given a second chance to live the life he thought he was losing. Now, he returns to church with his family, his heart brimming with gratitude for the healing they received through Saint Brother André’s intercession and God’s grace. This experience not only restored his health but gave him a renewed appreciation for the beauty of each day with his wife and children. Every moment they share now feels like a miracle, and they carry forward a gratitude that shines through their every step.

Miracle 2

Two years ago, a hopeful couple visited me at the Oratory of Saint Joseph. They had been happily married for seven years, deeply in love and dedicated to their faith, attending church regularly. Yet, there was a quiet ache in their hearts – a longing for a child that remained unfulfilled. Despite their love, their prayers, and endless medical consultations, their arms were still empty. This deep desire weighed heavily on them, and they shared their story with me in a moment of heartfelt vulnerability.

Listening to their struggles, I felt moved to invite them to pray through the intercession of Saint Brother André. I asked them to commit to a thirty-day novena and to visit the heart of Saint André, exposed on the fourth floor of the Oratory. I suggested they venerate this precious relic and pray fervently for the miracle of life. When I asked if they truly believed that God, through Brother André’s intercession, could bring them the gift of a child, they looked at me with unwavering faith and answered, “Yes.”

I told them to go home and return after a year to thank Saint Brother André and Christ, carrying their newborn child. With faith filling their hearts, they left, holding onto that promise.

A year later, the couple returned to the Oratory with joy radiating from their faces. In their arms was their newborn baby, a living testament to the power of faith and the miracles that prayer can bring. We shared a deeply moving moment of thanksgiving together, blessing the child and the family as they celebrated the gift of life they had waited for so long. This beautiful miracle reminded us of all of God’s boundless love and the grace that Saint Brother André’s intercession can bring.

No matter where we are in the world, we can ask this most humble of saints to intercede for our intercessions:

Prayer to Obtain a Favor through the Intercession of Saint Brother André

Loving and gracious God,with a humble heart we come before you, as did your faithful servant, Saint Brother André. Lord Jesus, you have said:

Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.”
We come to you, Lord, longing for that peace within us.
Like Saint Brother André, who never sought glory for himself,
teach us to recognize that all we have –
our time, our talents, our strength –
are gifts from you, to be shared in love
for the good of all people.
Open our eyes, Lord, to see your presence
in our families, our friends, our neighbours,
and in everyone you place on our path.
You have raised up Saint Brother André,
the humble friend of Saint Joseph,
to share your glory forever in heaven.

Through his intercession,
we now place before you our special intention:
(pause and present your request).
Grant us, O Lord, the grace to live each day
with the humility, compassion, and love
that marked the life of Saint Brother André,
so that, like him,
we may one day share eternal life with you. Amen.

I learn from this great and humble Saint that no matter what task is assigned to me, even the most menial, I can lead others to Him as St. Andre did.

It is worth pondering on the words of Pope Benedict at the Canonization of Br Andre on October 17, 2010

Brother André Bessette, born in Quebec, in Canada, and a religious of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, knew suffering and poverty very early in life. This led him to turn to God for prayer and an intense interior life. Doorman at the Notre Dame College in Montreal, he showed boundless charity and did everything possible to soothe the despair of those who confided in him. With little instruction, he nevertheless understood what was essential to his faith. For him, to believe meant to submit freely and lovingly to Divine Will. Everything existed through the mystery of Jesus, he lived the beatitude of the pure of heart, that of personal rectitude. It is thanks to this simplicity, he showed many God. He had the Saint Joseph Oratory of Mont Royal built, where he was the faithful guardian until his death in 1937. There, he was the witness of many healings and conversions. “Do not try to have your trials taken away from you”, he said, “rather, ask for the grace to endure them well”. For him, everything spoke of God and His presence. May we, following his example, search for God with simplicity to discover Him always present in the core of our lives! May the example of Brother André inspire Canadian Christian life!