MEMORIAL: JANUARY 6
St. Andre was born in the mid 19th century in Canada. Due to his poor health and lack of education, then Alfred could not hold a job. At the age of 25, he entered the Holy Cross brothers. His entrance was met with much resistance due to his academic deficiencies. Finally, he was assigned as a doorman at Notre Dame College in Montreal where he stayed for 40 years.
Brother Andre had a great devotion to St. Joseph. He spent many hours in prayer and lived in simplicity. Brother Andre would visit the sick in the local community and rub oil on the infirmed. This would sometimes lead to miraculous healings through the intercession of St. Joseph.
Brother Andre began building a chapel to St. Joseph on the mountain next to Notre Dame college. Completely funded without debt, the chapel eventually became a Basilica and Shrine and currently stands a pilgrimage destination today. St. Andre would die before its completion at the age of 92.
