Benedict XVI confirms a miraculous healing due to the intercession of Brother André Bessette, CSC

Montréal, December 19, 2009 - In Rome this morning, the Holy Father, Benedict XVI held a private audience with Mgr. Angelo Amato, SDB, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. During the audience, the Holy Father authorized the Congregation to issue a decree concerning a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Brother André, CSC, founder of Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal. Born on August 9, 1845 at Saint-Grégoire d'Iberville in the diocese of Saint-Hyacinthe, just south of Montréal, Brother André died on January 6, 1937 in Montréal. He was declared Venerable on June 12, 1978 by Pope Paul VI and was beatified on May 23, 1982 by Pope John Paul II in Rome.

With joy filled hearts, the administration and the personnel of Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal has learned that his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI has just acknowledged as scientifically inexplicable, a healing due to the intercession of Blessed Brother André. Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, Archbishop of Montréal, was elated by the news. “Brother André takes pride of place among the builders of our diocesan Church.”

The vice postulator for the cause of the canonization of Brother André, Father Mario Lachapelle, CSC, indicated, “The road to the canonization of Brother André is now open! The moment finally seems to have come. Today, one of the most significant pages in our collective history has been written.” In Rome, the Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Father Hugh Cleary, CSC, said, “What a grace for our religious family, to count among its ranks such a model of the Christian life offered to the world, a true inspiration for a welcoming, compassionate presence. Such good news!”

The Rector of Saint Joseph's Oratory, Father Claude Grou, CSC, commented on the good news, “During these days leading up to the majestic celebration of Christmas, we have another reason to exult as we have learned that the Holy Father has officially recognized the miraculous cure which was obtained by the intercession of Blessed Brother André. This important step has revitalized our expectations to see Brother André among the saints of the Catholic Church.”

As for the Superior of the Canadian Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Father Jean-Pierre Aumont, CSC declared, “Brother André is renowned throughout the family of Holy Cross as a man whose prayer reached the heart of God. The miracle which has just been recognized demonstrates just how much he still attends to human suffering and inspires the life and mission of the religious of Holy Cross.”

This announcement followed upon a meeting of the Ordinary Congregation of Cardinals and Bishops. The 15 members of this group gave their favorable consent for the foregoing of the Cause. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints was thus able to present all the currently available recommendations to the Holy Father.

This good news has given impetus to a great gladness on part of pilgrims, visitors, and friends of Saint Joseph's Oratory. We invite everyone to blend their voices in a prayer of thanksgiving. Details of the events leading up to the last stages of the process of canonization will be published at the beginning of the New Year, 2010.