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Press Release
October 17 2009
Cause for Canonization of Brother André: a New Stage has been Completed
The Theological Commission Renders a Positive and Unanimous Judgement
Montréal - The Vatican’s Theological Commission for the Causes of Saints which has had the task of studying an instance of healing attributable to the intercession of Blessed Brother André has just issued a positive and unanimous verdict. It has plainly acknowledged that the cure was obtained through the intercession of Brother André, religious of the Congregation of Holy Cross and founder of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. This news was transmitted by Father Mario Lachapelle, CSC, vice-postulator for the cause of the canonization of Brother André, from Rome on October 17, 2009. “According to the opinion of the theologians, the cure, examined and declared scientifically unexplainable by the Medical Commission in February 2009, is undoubtedly to be attributed to the intercession of Brother André. This is another essential stage in the cause for canonization,” said Father Lachapelle.
The cause can now be remitted to the Ordinary Congregation of Cardinals and Bishops composed of 15 members, the final group tasked with studying the case. Among other things, their mandate is to gauge the suitability of extending devotion to Brother André throughout the Universal Church. After the recommendation of the two commissions (medical and theological) and the Congregation of Cardinals and Bishops, his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will decide how he will proceed in the cause.
The rector of Saint Joseph’s Oratory, Father Claude Grou, CSC, declared, “This good news is cause for rejoicing. It demonstrates once again the exceptional role which Brother André plays in our Church and our society. He remains for us a sterling model and witness.”
Brother André was born Alfred Bessette on August 9, 1845 in Saint-Grégoire in the area of Montérégie, south of Montréal. Having made an extraordinary life-journey, this man of unshakeable faith and confidence in God and in Saint Joseph founded Saint Joseph’s Oratory in 1904 with the assistance of lay friends and his fellow religious. Generations of believers everywhere have been touched by his unconditional welcome, his attentive listening, and his expression of profound compassion. He died on January 6, 1937 leaving a legacy to the world of this place of spiritual convergence unique in the Christian tradition. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 23, 1982.
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Following the present canonical norms, at this stage of the process we will be granting
no interviews so as to respect any further judgment on the part of the Catholic Church.
Thank you for your understanding.
Source: Luce Dion
Office of Communications and Publications
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