Background: St André Bessette (1845 – 1937) was born in a small town outside Quebec, Montreal. He was the ninth of thirteen children. At 9yrs, his father, a carpenter, died in a tree-fall accident and at 12, his mother died from TB.
St André became a Lay Brother and remained in the same congregation for over 40yrs. His duties were primarily porter, laundry assistant and sacristan. He regularly visited the sick, blessing them with oil and seeking St Joseph’s intercession. During an epidemic, he miraculously nursed many dying back to good health in the name of St Joseph. St André became so well known for his miracles that following his death, more than a million people filed past his coffin.
St André Bessette was canonised a Saint in 2010 by Pope Benedict. His Feast Day is 6th January, the day of his death, aged 91.
Lord, you chose Brother André
to spread devotion to Saint Joseph,
and to dedicate his life to the poor and afflicted.
Grant through his intercession
the favour(s) that I now request…
[State your intentions…]
Grant me the grace to imitate his piety and charity, so that, with him, I may share the rewards promised to all who care for their neighbours out of love for you.
I make this prayer in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.
Pray: 3x Our Father… 3x Hail Mary… 3x Glory Be…
••• St Bro André Bessette, Pray For Us (x3)•••
Prayer to St Joseph for Protection
O St Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong,
so prompt before the throne of God,
I place in you all my interests and desires.
O St Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers.
O St Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart.
Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
••• St Joseph, Patron of Departing Souls, Pray For Me •••
