Brother André

Brother André (French:Frère André, born Alfred Bessette) (9 August 1845 – January 6, 1937) was a Canadian religious figure, credited with thousands of supposed miraculous healings.

Early life

Bessette was born in Saint-Grégoire d'Iberville, Quebec (then Canada East), a small town situated 40 kilometers east of Montreal. His was a working class family — his father was a lumberman and his mother saw to the education of her ten children. Alfred was orphaned at age twelve, after which he tried different trades, but none proved promising for his future.

Related Topics:
Saint-Grégoire d'Iberville, Quebec - Canada East - Kilometer - Montreal

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When Alfred was twenty years old, he joined many Canadians who were emigrating to the United States to work in the mills of New England. When, in 1867, the new Canadian Confederation was formed, he returned to his native country.

Related Topics:
United States - New England - 1867 - Canadian Confederation

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He was given the task of doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Côte-des-Neiges, Quebec. He fulfilled this function for some 40 years while at the same time doing innumerable odd jobs for the community.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~