Today, the Church honours St. André Bessette, a man of simple faith, deep humility, and extraordinary trust in God.
Though poorly educated and physically weak, he became a powerful instrument of healing and hope through prayer and devotion to St. Joseph. His life reminds us that God works wonders through humble hearts.
Prayer of the Day
O God,
who chose the humble servant Saint André Bessette
to spread confidence in the powerful intercession of Saint Joseph,
grant us, through his example and prayers,
the grace to love the Church and serve the poor with patience and faith.
May we trust not in our own strength,
but in Your mercy and providence,
and may our weakness become a place
where Your glory shines.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Mass Readings of the Day
(Week after Epiphany – weekday)
First Reading: 1 John 3:22–4:6
“Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 2:7bc–8, 10–12a
“I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.”
Gospel: Matthew 4:12–17, 23–25
“Jesus went around all of Galilee, teaching… proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom and curing every disease.”
Saint of the Day
St. André Bessette (1845–1937)
Born in Canada and orphaned at a young age, Alfred Bessette was sickly, poor, and had little formal education. Many thought he would never succeed in religious life. But God saw something different.
He joined the Congregation of Holy Cross as a brother and was assigned the humble task of doorkeeper at a college. From that small post, his mission grew.
People came to him for prayers.
He anointed the sick with oil from a lamp near a statue of St. Joseph.
Healing followed—not because André claimed power, but because he trusted God completely.
Though crowds gathered and miracles multiplied, Brother André remained humble, always saying:
“I am nothing… St. Joseph does everything.”
His devotion led to the construction of St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, one of the world’s largest shrines dedicated to St. Joseph.
He died quietly, but his legacy of faith continues to inspire millions.
10 Facts About St. André Bessette
- He was born Alfred Bessette in Quebec, Canada.
- He was orphaned by age 12.
- He suffered from lifelong poor health.
- He became a Holy Cross Brother, not a priest.
- He served most of his life as a doorkeeper.
- He had a deep devotion to St. Joseph.
- Thousands reported healings through his prayers.
- He always redirected praise to God and St. Joseph.
- He helped inspire the building of St. Joseph’s Oratory.
- He was canonized a saint in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI.
