Bishop's Blog / Saint Andre Bessette

Today, January 6, we celebrate the feast of Saint Andre Bessette. This date has been designated for "Brother Andre" for several years but this year 2011 is the first time we celebrate his feast with Brother Andre having been canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, of 2010.

Saint Andre is a beautiful example for all of us and especially for young students. As a religious brother his work for many years at a school in Canada was as doorkeeper. The world would see this is a rather lowly calling and would dismiss this type of position as insignificant. Because of his great faith and love Brother Andre transformed this work that the world would so easily dismiss into the mission of a Saint. He had a tremendous impact on all who entered through the doors of his school because he showed the kindness and care that the Lord calls us to show all of his children as we encounter them on any given day.

As you can see the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul is continuing to progress. I hope that Saint Andre can be a kind of unofficial patron for the Chapel, reminding all who enter there that the greatest power in the world is that of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us heed the call and following Saint Andre Bessette's lead "Open wide the doors to Christ".