Cousin Andre

Alfred Bessette was born to Isaac Bessette and Clothilde (Foisy) Bessette on 10 August 1845. This fragile young baby, baptized just moments after his birth was to become Blessed Andre Bessette, known today as the "miracle man of Montreal."

We have a special place in our hearts for Blessed Andre because two of his cousins were members of our community. Sister Mary Ambrose Foisy and Sister Mary Augustine Foisy were blood sisters who were members of our community in the early-mid 20th Century. We have little data in our archives about this relationship, but as we can best figure, their father and Blessed Andre's mother were siblings. The Foisy sisters spoke of having lived with their cousin, Alfred, who was orphaned at age 12. And so, in our hearts, we claim Blessed Andre as our holy cousin.

Among his endearing qualities, perhaps his extraordinary perseverance and his sense of humor (and humility!) and are most notable. When Andre was about to be professed, there were some concerns about the delicacy of his health. He begged the bishop to intervene for him and allow him to make his profession. The community admitted him to profession and assigned him to be porter at Notre Dame College -- a job he kept for forty years. Years later, he would remark, "At the end of my novitiate, my superiors showed me the door and I stayed there for forty years -- without leaving."

We are proud to count "cousin Andre" among our extended family. He is a model of humility and perseverance who showed great trust in the Lord's care for him.

To read more about Blessed Andre Bessette click here.