Daybreak

Tuesday after Epiphany Optional Memorial of St. Andre Bessette, 1845-1937; entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross, and was given the humble job of doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Montreal, along with duties as sacristan, laundry worker and messenger; when he heard someone was ill, he visited to bring cheer and to pray with the sick person; when an epidemic broke out at a nearby college, André volunteered to nurse, and not one person died; after Holy Cross authorities bought property on Mount Royal, Andre raised $200 to build a small chapel and welcome visitors;  by 1931, there were gleaming walls, but money ran out; “Put a statue of Saint Joseph in the middle. If he wants a roof over his head, he’ll get it”; The magnificent Oratory on Mount Royal took 50 years to build; the sickly boy who could not hold a job died at 92 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/6/26 Gospel: Mark 6:34-44