St. André Bessette: Faith, Suffering, and Miracles – Jan 06 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 06, 2025, on St. André Bessette's life of faith, suffering, and devotion to St. Joseph, showcasing how humility and trust in God can lead to sanctity.

Father spoke of St. André Bessette, emphasizing his humble beginnings, devotion to St. Joseph, and profound faith despite physical challenges. Born Alfred Bessette in 1845, he experienced early loss and poor health but excelled in spiritual understanding. Through the influence of Father André Provençal, he developed a deep devotion to St. Joseph. After struggling with various trades, he entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross in 1870, taking the name André in honor of his mentor. His life as a porter at the College of Notre Dame in Montreal was marked by prayer, service, and miraculous healings attributed to St. Joseph.

He founded St. Joseph's Oratory, fulfilling a vision he had years earlier. Despite opposition, André's unwavering faith inspired devotion and miracles. His reflections on suffering and trust in God resonated with Gospel teachings, particularly on carrying one’s cross (Luke 9:23). He urged others to embrace suffering as a pathway to sanctification and heaven (CCC 618). Even amid misunderstandings and accusations, he maintained humility, seeing suffering as a divine gift (CCC 1508).

In his final days, André endured great pain, offering it for the Pope, peace in Spain, and the Oratory's completion. Canonized in 2010, his life exemplifies faith, humility, and the power of prayer.

For Further Reading
Luke 9:23 - NAB - Take up your cross daily - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/9?23
Catechism of the Catholic Church #618 - The meaning of suffering in Christ - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a4p2.htm#618
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1508 - Suffering and divine healing - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a5.htm#1508
Catholic Answers - God’s Love for You - https://www.catholic.com/tract/gods-love-for-you

00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Early Life of St. André Bessette
02:15 – Devotion to St. Joseph
03:40 – Struggles with Poor Health
05:00 – Joining the Congregation of Holy Cross
06:30 – Miracles and Ministry as a Porter
08:00 – Building St. Joseph's Oratory
09:45 – Legacy of Humility and Suffering

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Andre Bessette - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=18
Readings: Wkdays after Epiphany - Jan 6 - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010625.cfm
1st: 1jo 3:22-4:6
Resp: psa 2:7-8, 10-12
Gsp: mat 4:12-17, 23- 25

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1340&r=1320

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