From his humble beginnings, no one could have predicted that Brother André, so frail and so limited in many ways, would someday become the most beloved and the best known "Québécois" of his times.

Born in 1845, in Saint-Grégoire, a small town situated 40 kilometers east of Montreal, he was called Alfred Bessette. His family was poor like most of the French Canadian peasants of that time. His father was a lumberman and his mother saw to the education of her ten children. Alfred was orphaned at age twelve. He tried different trades, but none of these were promising for his future.

When Alfred was twenty years old, he joined many Canadians who were emigrating to the United States to work in the mills of New England. When, in 1867, the new Canadian Federation was formed, he returned to his native country.

The Pastor of his parish, Fr. André Provençal, had been noticing the devotion and the generosity of the young man. He decided to present Alfred to the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montreal. Regardless of his frail health and his limited schooling, in 1870, Alfred was accepted and became known as Brother André.

He was given the task of doorkeeper at Notre Dame College. He fulfilled this function for some 40 years while at the same time doing innumerable odd jobs for the community.

His great confidence in Saint Joseph inspired him to recommend this devotion to all those who were afflicted in various ways. Many claimed that they were cured and were grateful that their prayers had been heard. Because he wanted Saint Joseph to be honored, in 1904, Brother André began the construction of a small chapel on the mountain side, facing the College.

The sick and the infirm cried out that they had been cured. The reputation of Brother André grew and soon he was known as the miracle-worker of Mount Royal. He had to face the attacks and the criticism of his numerous adversaries. However, popular acclaim, the support of the diocesan Church and the evidence of cures which could not be explained overcame the doubts of his detractors.

Whether in the midst of adversity or in periods of praise, Brother André lead a life of poverty, humility and compassion. His visitors saw in him a saint who was the living image of a compassionate God attentive to the most needy and to all who suffered. His intimate relationship with Saint Joseph inspired his life to a point where he wished to foster this devotion so that others would come to know and love his friend. He defended himself against those who claimed that he worked miracles. However, he recognized that his prayers to Saint Joseph could obtain great favors for those who also prayed the foster father of Jesus.

When he died on January 6, 1937, a million people filed before his coffin. He was beatified by Pope Jean Paul II on May 23, 1982. He is recognized and loved throughout the world by millions of people.