Br. André Bessette: The Miracle Man of Montreal

Brother André Bessette, the doorkeeper at Collège Notre-Dame in Montreal, drew hundreds of thousands of sick and poor people to his post through his prayers and intercession of St. Joseph. According to The Catholic Telegraph, he often applied melted oil from a lamp burning before a statue of St. Joseph to the ailments of visitors, leading to reported miraculous healings.

His ministry faced opposition from some at the college, including the college physician, who nicknamed him "Old Greaser" and accused him of risking the health of the sick. However, the physician later requested Brother André's presence when his own wife fell into critical condition with a nasal hemorrhage.

Brother André's religious life began after a bishop intervened to secure his admission to the Order of the Holy Cross, as his poor health had nearly led to his rejection. He served as a porter at the college for forty years, following instructions to receive poor people with kindness.