Saint Brother André Bessette for me represents a towering witness to the efficacy and power of prayer. The efficacy of prayer arising from a wounded soul, of prayer confident of God’s Providence, of prayer offered for the good of others, of prayer leading to the salvation of souls, of prayer united to the heavenly family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus.
Alfred Bessette’s family profoundly shaped his spirituality. Tragedy struck young Alfred, the future Brother André, early, with the death of his father when Alfred was just nine years old, followed by his sweet mother's passing three years later. Orphaned and alone, he experienced firsthand the pain of loss and vulnerability.
Profound Compassion
Instead of becoming embittered or withdrawn, these experiences awakened in him a profound compassion for the suffering of others. André saw in every afflicted person a reflection of his own wounds and strove to alleviate their pain, offering comfort and prayer. His empathy was not abstract, it was tangible and practical, shown in the countless hours he spent caring for the sick and the poor at Notre Dame College and later at Saint Joseph’s Oratory.
God's Masterpieces
Andre loved to repeat that God uses the smallest brushes to paint the most exquisite pictures. Small of stature, sickly, fragile and troubled by stomach ailments throughout his long life, Andre usually existed on a diet of boiled potatoes. His typical day was spent greeting pilgrims seeking prayers and healing during the day. Most evenings he spent making house calls to the sick. Very often, he sacrificed whole nights in prayer busy offering individual petitions and Rosaries for the many souls he encountered during the day.
It was faith learned from his mother that got Andre going early in life. It was hope in the power of prayer that generated the energy he needed each day to spend himself for others and it was his love for God and neighbor that attracted others to him and filled his entire life with purpose and meaning.
Offering It All Up
His personal hardships did not diminish his trust in God; rather, they intensified it. He was a man of deep prayer, convinced that God would provide and heal, even when circumstances seemed impossible. This faith was not passive, but active and heroic, driving him to intercede relentlessly with his powerful heavenly patron Saint Jospeh, for those who came to him with ailments and troubles. André’s unwavering belief in the power of prayer inspired hope in thousands. The reported miracles associated with him only deepened the devotion of people who sought his help.
The spiritual formation of Brother André was thus intimately tied to his experiences of poverty, humility, faith, compassion, and the early deaths of his parents. Each challenge became an opportunity to draw closer to God and deeper into service. His heroic life was not marked by dramatic feats, but by a quiet and steady offering of himself for others, rooted in the lessons learned from his own suffering. In embracing his frailty, Brother André became a beacon of strength, showing that true greatness lies in humility, faithfulness, and the compassionate love of God shared with the world.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join, too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
