Saint Andre Bessette: Miracles in Montreal

Encounter the Saints #27

by Patricia Edward Jablonski

An ordinary Brother of Holy Cross, Saint André Bessette spent most of his life answering the door for his religious community. Through his extraordinary devotion to Saint Joseph and his prayers for those in need, thousands of people were miraculously healed and helped. Inspired by God to build the Oratory of Saint Joseph, Brother André Bessette is beloved in his native Canada and beyond. Perfect for ages 9–12. Saint André Bessette was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in October 2010.

Genres: Catholic

97 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Sister Patricia Edward, FSP has been a Daughter of St. Paul for nearly forty years. She holds a BA in English Communication Arts from Emmanuel College, Boston, as well as a certificate in Communications Media from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and a certificate in writing for children and teenagers from the Institute of Children’s Literature in West Redding, Ct. She has carried out her Congregation’s evangelization apostolate in New York, Missouri, and Ohio, and formerly served as a children’s editor at Pauline Books & Media for thirteen years.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children and I love this series. We have read many of the books more than once. And this one holds a special place in our hearts. We have not been to the shrine in Montreal but we did receive oil from the shine that we used on my son’s spine before major surgery, and it went way better than expected.

This is an amazing series is! Between my three children and I we have now read nearly all of the books in this series. Either by myself, or with one or more child. My youngest 2 children ages 13, 10, still both love these books. My son wants to have the complete set in his room, so he keeps asking to buy his own set, because he loves these books so much. We have read many of them together and reread some of our favourites. We have also picked up copies of our favourites for the kids school library. A few years ago we read many books in the series, and have returned to it again recently. With each book we read we appreciate this series more. And we also hope there will be even more books in the future. And eventually eBooks of all of the volumes. As one has been released since we started reading them. But now back to this specific book on Saint Andre Bessette.

The description of this volume is:

“An ordinary Brother of Holy Cross, Saint André Bessette spent most of his life answering the door for his religious community. Through his extraordinary devotion to Saint Joseph and his prayers for those in need, thousands of people were miraculously healed and helped. Inspired by God to build the Oratory of Saint Joseph, Brother André Bessette is beloved in his native Canada and beyond. Saint André Bessette was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in October 2010.”

There are several different editions of this book, paperbacks and eBooks of various formats but the eBook editions was rereleased in 2019 under a different ISBN and ASIN. The various editions have been published between 2010 and 2019. But not matter which you lay your hands on I am certain you will be blessed by reading of the book. And impressed again by the story of simple faith that changed the lives of many

The chapters in this volume are:

1. Smiles and Tears
2. Changes
3. Home at Last
4. An Act of Daring
5. A Shrine is Born
6. The Miracles Begin
7. Trouble
8. Saint Joseph Gets His Wish
9. A Dream Takes Shape
10. Bigger and Better
11. The Blind Shall See
12. More Miracles
13. Speedy Recoveries
14. Needed: One Roof
15. The Final Journey
16. Still at Work
Prayer
Glossary

Living only a about 600Km from Montreal we are far more familiar with this saint than some of the other ones we have read about. But it was wonderful to read about this man, his faith, and the continued witness. His devotion to Saint Joseph and how God always provided when he lead this man. First in his religious life. Second in gaining the land. Then a small chapel, and finally in the oratory. My children always love the prayer at the end of the book as well as the glossary. We read it from beginning to end. The prayer in this volume is:

“Saint Brother André, you had a life full of miracles. How much good you did for others! You show me that faith, kindness, and humility come from loving God, and that simple trust is more important than possessions, accomplishments, or special talents. Your special love for Saint Joseph teaches me that making friends with the saints can help me be closer to God.

Saint Brother André, you never gave up on the dream God gave you. No matter what happened, you kept praying and working for what God wanted. Show me how to trust God as you always did. I believe that he has a plan for me, just as he had a plan for you. It’s not always easy for me to do what God asks, but that is what I want to do. Help me to spend my life loving God and other people just as you did, in whatever vocation I’m called to.

Please pray for me, Saint André Bessette. Amen.”

The prayer in this volume is the same one as in the companion volume, The Saints Pray for Us, which has prays for the first 30 saints and blessed covered in the series. This book is a wonderful read. Learning about Andre’s family life. Academic struggles. And even finding his place as the porter. A very inspiring read.

This is one of the two books in the series that is written by Patricia Edward Jablonski, and she cowrote 4 others. It is the one of the seven illustrated by Barbara Kiwak. This book follows the format of the series in that there are 5 illustrations sprinkled throughout the book. They appear to be pencil drawings or sketches. My children were fascinated by the sketches and went over them a few times.

I loved this book, and all three children and I love this series! We have now read over 30 of the books in the Enconter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media. And everyone has been worth the read. An excellent read in a wonderful series!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Gillian Snoxall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Andre Bessette: Miracles in Montreal (Encounter the Saints No. 27)

I loved this book! It refreshed my memory of the wonderful life of Saint Andre Bessette and was a re-introduction through him to Saint Joseph. It has done wonders for my spiritual life.

[Evelyn Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet children’s book to get ready for our visit to the Oratory.

[Judith Letley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter heard about this saint at Mass and inspired me to learn more about him. His devotion to St. Joseph and the miracles St. Andre performed.

[Shannon Meloro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up I would hear about my greatx3 uncle Andre bessette - it was fascinating to me to read a book about him and understand why he became a saint!! Great man!