Tuesday after Epiphany
The mountains shall yield peace for the people…justice will flower (Psalm 72)
Today’s Scriptures offer the post-Christmas promise of its mysteries flowering and bearing fruits in our lives with peace and justice, and faith in action. It is a good day to reflect back on what of the Christmas Scriptures and stories have touched us and what do we wish to carry forth? We can especially reflect on St. Joseph’s faithful yes to dreams and his steadfast companionship of Mary and the vulnerable child Jesus through the eyes of Saint André of Montreal (1845 - 1937), this North American saint, deeply devoted to St. Joseph - his trusted friend and guide - that the global church remembers today.
I had the blessing of discovering Brother André Bissette (St. André of Montreal) and St. Joseph’s Oratory when I lived in Montreal. Brother André’s story is a wonderful example of simple faith and caring love in action, trusting that St. Joseph would never let anyone fall away. He was an orphan and sickly young man with little schooling. He became a lay Holy Cross Brother, and served as the doorman for many visitors to the College Notre Dame over 40 years. He offered prayers for their concerns, and spent time with the sick, and in personal prayer with St. Joseph. He gradually worked to raise funds for a small chapel (oratory - meaning place of prayer) on Mount Royal. Many were comforted and healed from ailments, and returned there to pray. Brother André was concerned there was no large basilica dedicated to St. Joseph, and thought that the top of Mount Royal would be an ideal place. His religious superiors were cautious about the challenges of the finances and administration of a major building and all the visitors. However, as many people returned year after year, there was a need for a larger worship space for the pilgrims. The visiting pilgrims themselves raised the money to build a large basilica, completed after Brother Andre’s death. It stands at the top of Mount Royal in the heart of the large city of Montreal, visible for miles and the largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph, the saint of everyday life. His virtuous life and several miraculous healings contributed to Bro. André declared a saint in 2010. He is the first Canadian-born saint, and The Canadian Bishops have named him a Patron saint of Caregivers.
The Oratory today is a place of indoor and outdoor prayer with lifesize stations of the cross, and includes a museum with hundreds of nativity scenes, educational resources and panoramic views of the city. St. Brother André’s spirit is honoured by a listening service for those seeking peace, joy and balance in their lives as well as a pilgrimage mission of support for the sick, suffering or elderly. It is certainly worth a visit! The Vatican website story of his life is an inspiring tribute https://www.vaticannews.va/en/
—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI