On 7 January, Saint Joseph’s Oratory celebrated the Feast of St. André Bessette, its beloved founder and the first canonized saint of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Throughout the day, several Masses were offered in honor of Brother André, with numerous prayer intentions submitted by the pilgrims who visited the oratory.

The highlight of the day was a special bilingual Mass held at 7:30 p.m., with the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal providing the music. Fr. Jérôme José, C.S.C., Vice-Rector for Pastoral Services, presided, and Fr. Claude Grou, C.S.C., Superior of the Canadian Province, gave the homily. Many other religious and priests who serve at the oratory also joined in the celebration.

In his homily, Fr. Grou eloquently portrayed St. André as a guiding star who led thousands to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. He drew a poignant connection between St. André’s journey of faith and the Jubilee Year 2025, emphasizing that Br. André was, in many ways, a pilgrim of hope who brought light to the lives of others.

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Following the Mass, the faithful had the opportunity to venerate the Major Relic of St. André Bessette. It was moving to watch as many pilgrims approached the relic with reverence, offering prayers through St. André’s intercession. The atmosphere was imbued with spiritual intensity, accompanied by chants and music that elevated the sacredness of the hour-long veneration.