Alfred
Bessette, who the world knows today as
Brother Andre, would dedicate his life
to establishing a place of solace and
contemplation. Leading a life of poverty,
humility, and compassion, his search would
lead him to a spot where he would build
one of the world’s greatest shrines.
Known as a kind and loving man, Brother
Andre was known to be a iron clad spirit
set in a frail yet determined shell. Upon
his death in January of 1937 a million
people filed before his coffin to bid
him farewell. He was beatified by Pope
Jean Paul II in May of 1982. He is recognized
and loved throughout the world by millions
of people, and has left the Oratory as
his life work.
Starting out its life as a small chapel
in 1904, the congregation grew until the
chapel’s first expansion in 1917.
Called “The Cyrpt” because
of it shape, it had a seating capacity
of 1000. Later, in 1924, construction
began again; the chapel would now become
a basilica, and it was finally completed
in 1967.
An
oratory is a haven of peace and a place
of religious worship. The Oratory offers
both of these settings in a breath taking
and historic setting. Saint Joseph's became
a symbol of the Sacred Presence in the
heart of the city, allowing pilgrims of
all shapes and sizes to journey to the
oratory become closer to God. Millions
of people come each year to see the building,
to worship, and to meet others with a
wish to do the same.
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