Hybridizer by M. Elaine Bessette, R., 1996
Blossoming: late May, early June
| Brother André: rediscovered and shared with children |
Montréal, August 8, 2010 – Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal announced today the launch of three new books about Brother André. The result of a close collaboration with Éditions Fides and Médiaspaul, these works serve as tools for readers seeking to discover or rediscover Brother André, to prepare themselves through prayer for the celebrations being held as part of his canonization, or even to tell children the story of an exceptional destiny.
“Throughout the years, several highly relevant works were made about Brother André. During this exceptional year, as we prepare for his canonization, it is important to offer different viewpoints on his notable experiences, both on a human and spiritual level,” says Father Claude Grou, CSC, Rector of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal.
Sharing Brother André with adults... and children
Author and socio-historian Françoise Deroy-Pineau - whose biography of Brother André entitled “Frère André, un saint parmi nous”, recently reissued by Fides is already a core reference - once again offers a new book, this time aimed at a completely different kind of reader… Published by Médiaspaul, “Brother André, the Saint of Saint Joseph’s Oratory” is available in both French and English versions. Featuring beautiful illustrations by Robert Julien, the book is written for children aged 8 to 13, to whom it recounts the life and works of this famous religious figure of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Enhanced with brief historical sections, this book will enable children to learn more about Québec’s history.
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| Father Jean-Yves Garneau (author), Françoise Deroy-Pineau (author and socio-historian) and Robert Julien (illustrator) gathered in front of a crowd of pilgrims at Saint Joseph's Oratory during the launch of the new books about Brother André, on August 8. |
Listening... and praying with Brother André
“Novena to Brother André” (Éditions Médiaspaul) is a booklet written by Father Jean-Yves Garneau in the classic format of this popular expression of faith, which was particularly favoured by Brother André. The booklet offers a simple and yet powerful tool for intense spiritual preparation for the celebration of the upcoming canonization of Brother André, on October 17th. Also launched today, but available in French only: “Frère André disait souvent…” (Éditions Fides); a collection of words by Brother André as described by his friends and edited by Pierre Robert, former director of The Saint Joseph’s Oratory Research and Documentation Centre. And finally, two other novel works will soon be available: a collection of original prayers by author Sylvain Lupien, accompanied by a CD, entitled “Prier avec frère André”, is scheduled for publication by Fides in October, and a new biography of Brother André will be published by Le livre ouvert , distributed by Éditions Médiaspaul and signed by Jacques Gauthier, a well-known author and host of the show Le Jour du Seigneur.
August: the Month of Brother André
August 9 is always a special day at Saint Joseph’s Oratory, as we celebrate the anniversary of the sanctuary’s founder. As pilgrims and visitors await the celebration of Brother André’s canonization with pride, the Oratory dedicates the entire month of August to him and offers a special activity schedule open to all who will come and gather in great numbers to pray and bask in the quiet splendour of his legacy.
As such, Blessed Brother André’s anniversary will be celebrated through a thanksgiving mass on Monday, August 9, at 7:30 p.m., followed by a candlelight procession. The Work of Pilgrimages of the Sick will also hold a special celebration in the Crypt Church at 2:00 p.m. on that day. Furthermore, on Sundays August 8, 15 and 22, from noon to 5:00 p.m., “Brother André’s Open House” will give visitors the opportunity to get to know this simple, yet extraordinary man. A schedule for these special days is available online at www.saint-joseph.org.
Lastly, on Sunday, August 29, a traditional pilgrimage to Mont-Saint-Grégoire, Brother André’s birthplace, will end the month on a high note. Less than two months before the canonization of this son of the Saint-Hyacinthe diocese, close collaboration with locals will enable participants to live a renewed pilgrimage experience, starting at 11:00 a.m. at the parish church.
October 30: A big day at the Stadium!
On Saturday, October 30, the faithful across the Greater Montréal Area and Québec will celebrate Brother André during a magnificent religious ceremony to be held at the Olympic Stadium at 2:00 p.m. This major event will be very well-attended, and reservations are required at a nominal charge of $5. Tickets are now on sale via the Admission network, at www.admission.com , 514 790-1225 or 1 800 361-4595, as well as the Olympic Stadium’s ticket counter, at 4545, avenue Pierre-De Coubertin, Montréal, and at the Oratory’s Gift Shop.
“Brother André’s Open House” August schedule, including all activities, times, as well as information on reservations and costs, is available online at www.saint-joseph.org, where visitors can also find information on the celebrations held as part of Brother André’s canonization this October. For more information or to register for a pilgrimage to Saint Joseph’s Oratory, groups are asked to contact the Visitor and Pilgrim Services team, at 514 733-8211 or pelerinage@osj.qc.ca.
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| Rector of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, Father Claude Grou, CSC, congratulating the authors for their role in spreading the word about the life and spirituality of Brother André, founder of the sanctuary, just months before his canonization scheduled for October 17 in Rome. Photo credit: Nathalie Dumas |
| Contacts |
| Source Luce Dion 514-266-8835 (cellulaire) ldion@osj.qc.ca |
For information (pictures available upon request) Claudia Martin 514-842-2455 ext. 31 cmartin@mfrp.com |
| For interview requests with the authors | |
| Marie-Claude Bressan Communications Director Éditions Fides 514-745-4290 ext. 246 bressanmc@fides.qc.ca |
Claude Brûlé Media Relations Éditions Médiaspaul 514-322-7341 ext. 2240 presse@mediaspaul.qc.ca |
| Please note that any media representative planning to attend the event at the Olympic Stadium on October 30, 2010 will require pre-authorization. As such, we invite them to contact Elaine Mayrand, at 514 842-2455, ext. 24, or emayrand@mfrp.com. | |