Br. André Bessette: The Miracle Man of Montreal

Brother André Bessette, a 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 a report by The Catholic Telegraph, Bessette often rubbed melted oil from a lamp burning before a statue of St. Joseph onto the ailments of visitors, leading to reported miraculous healings.

Bessette's work at the college faced opposition from some staff members. The college physician, who believed Bessette put patients at risk, mocked him with the nickname "Old Greaser" because of his use of the oil. Despite this hostility, the physician eventually requested Bessette's presence when his own wife fell into critical condition with a nasal hemorrhage.

Bessette's religious life began after a bishop intervened to allow him to join the Order of the Holy Cross, despite his initial admission being nearly rejected due to poor health. He served as a porter at the college for forty years, following instructions to receive poor people with kindness.