The use of olive oil is an ancient tradition. It is employed in religious rites and is used sacramentally to anoint. Saint Brother André often suggested to the sick who came in search of relief that they rub a bit of oil on the part of their body that was hurting, while invoking Saint Joseph for assistance. He made it clear that the oil itself had no miraculous curative powers, and that only God had the power to heal. He emphasized that prayer combined with this gesture symbolizing the strength of one’s belief were ways of expressing one’s inner faith in God’s power.

Since the days of Saint Brother André, it has been the custom here to place  oil in a container and let it burn in front of a statue of Saint Joseph for a time. Then it is put in bottles and distributed to pilgrims. We invite you to use this oil as a sign of your faith as you pray to God for the graces you desire. There is no special prayer to say: you can recite any prayer that you wish or use you own words.

We receive numerous letters from people who maintain that they have been helped by invoking Saint Brother André and Saint Joseph, and using the oil. We continue the tradition, confident in God's grace.