On October 17, 2010, the Congregation of Holy Cross celebrated the canonization of Brother André Bessette, C.S.C., by Pope Benedict XVI. Known popularly as the "miracle man of Montreal," Brother André Bessette, C.S.C.—an unassuming, uneducated porter—was known to millions for his humble ministry to the sick and needy and is the first Holy Cross religious to be canonized.
Commencing on the first anniversary of St. André’s canonization, Holy Cross invites all people to celebrate both the Congregation’s first saint and the inauguration of Year of the Brother. According to the Congregation, the Year of the Brother is "a recognition of the integral role brothers have in the life and ministry of Holy Cross and will serve as an opportunity to celebrate the brother’s vocation, work to increase awareness of this vocation, and pray for an increase to vocations."
To build awareness and to encourage prayer for vocations, a wealth of free materials is available here.
To learn more about Holy Cross brothers, please visit this page on the Congregation's website.
