Brother Andre is one of the most significant figures of the Catholic faith and the founder of one of the largest churches in the world, all of which is distinctly recognized by the Statue of Brother Andre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Providing an identity to an otherwise empty plaza, the statue serves as equal parts connection and legacy for the surrounding community.
Saint André of Montreal
Alfred Bessette was born in 1845 in what is now Quebec in Canada. He made his vows in 1874 and took the religious name of Brother André, which is how he was recognized for the rest of his life. His devotion to Saint Joseph is credited as the source of thousands of healings that would enable him to become the founder of Saint Joseph’s Oratory, which is the country’s largest church.
His efforts to help the sick carried on until his death in 1937 and would continue differently when a cause for Bessette’s beatification began in 1950. That effort would enable him to become Saint André of Montreal, the first Canadian living after Confederation to be canonized in 2010.
This legacy is what is subtly celebrated with the sculpture of Brother André that resides on a small city plaza that belongs to St. Joseph’s Oratory. Inaugurated in 1986, the sculpture depicts him in humble clothing and an unassuming posture, enabling engagement in the space and with products like the Saint Statues of Brother Andre. It has also helped yp cultivate a much more personal connection with Saint Joseph’s Oratory, which is a National Historic Site of Canada that attracts more than 2 million visitors every year.
These additional means of connection highlight what it can look like for a legacy to be celebrated in a way that defines the present and future of an entire community.
Bringing a Legacy to Life
Recognized as one of the most popular Quebecois of the 20th century, Brother André is known for his many miracles as a healer but the Statue of Brother Andre brings this legacy to life. In doing so, the landmark has enabled residents to have a place of connection while giving visitors a destination that attracts audiences from all over the region and beyond.
