It was Spring Break, the car was loaded, and we were ready for our spiritual pilgrimage. We were headed for Mount Royal, St. Joseph's Oratory. With hope and confidence we came to honor and pray with St. Joseph and St. Andre. We could see the large dome from miles away. The Basilica was massive, and impressively sat on top of Mount Royal, but once inside, the humble love of St. Andre continues to touch all who visit.
Brother Andre (as he was known during life) was not well educated and had poor health, so he was given the job of greeting those who came to the door. He had a very special devotion to St. Joseph and encouraged others to ask for St. Joseph's intercession. Over the years, many healings were attributed to those who visited Brother Andre. Inside the Basilica there was an entire wall of crutches/canes that were left behind from those who were healed. Brother Andre always insisted the healings came from God or through the intercession of St. Joseph's prayers.One of my favorite quotes from St. Andre is "It is with the smallest brushes that the artist paints the most exquisitely beautiful pictures." St. Andre please pray that we may all remain small brushes in God's hand.
-Susan
