Alfred Bessette, commonly known as Brother André, the founder of Montreal's impressive Saint Joseph's Oratory and who was venerated by generations of worshippers who sought healing from him, is about to become the first Quebec-born saint.
Pope Benedict XVI will announce the dates for the canonization of Brother André and five other new saints in an official decree after a meeting of cardinals at the Vatican on Feb. 19.
"It is now a certainty that Brother André will become a saint," said Father Jean Pelletier, a spokesman for the archdiocese of Quebec City. "When anyone considered for sainthood reaches this stage, that's because it's a sure thing."
Last October, the Vatican's Theological Commission for the Causes of Saints declared "scientifically unexplainable" at least one of the thousands of healing miracles attributed to Brother André. The Pope recognized the miracle last December, setting the stage for official canonization.
From the small chapel that he built on Mount Royal in 1904, Brother André's perseverance and unshakeable faith in St. Joseph became the driving force that lead to the construction of a grand basilica, which was completed some 30 years after he died in 1937 at the age of 91.
Brother André's compassion towards human suffering and his humble demeanour inspired thousands who came to the chapel believing in his powers.
For the dwindling number of practising Roman Catholics in Quebec, sainthood is the most important recognition. Brother André helped shape the religious beliefs of his generation, and some people hope that, through sainthood, he might help spark a renewal of religious fervour.
Rhéal Séguin