Catholic Fire

By Jean M. Heimann January 6th is the feast of St André Bessette, a religious brother and a humble doorkeeper who was deeply devoted to prayer.  He compassionately comforted the sick and afflicted. Through his intercessory prayers to St. Joseph, many were miraculously healed. One-half million cures have been attributed to his prayers. Saint André was born on August 9, 1845, near Montreal, Canada as Alfred Bessette. The son of a woodcutter, her was the eighth of twelve children. His father died in a work-related accident and his mother died of tuberculosis. He was adopted at age 12 by a farmer who insisted that he work to pay for his keep. After working as a farmhand, he labored at various trades: shoemaker, baker, and blacksmith -- all failures. He was a factory worker during the Civil War. At age 25, he applied to join the Congregation of the Holy Cross, but was initially refused due to his poor health. He latter gained the support of Bishop Bourget, and was fina...

Today is the feast of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, the founder of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame, who were my teachers in both elementary and high school. I remember viewing a film on her life and praying for her canonization when I was in grade school. She sailed from France to Canada about the same time my French ancestors did, so I feel as if I share a special bond with her. St. Marguerite Bourgeoys has been described as a woman of dreams and action, despite her frail health. She was a woman of grace and courage, known for her obedience to God and for her perseverance in carrying out His desires despite the many obstacles and hardships she faced. Born in Troyes, France in 1620 to devout parents, Marguerite was the sixth of twelve children. Her mother died when Marguerite was just 19 and she became the surrogate mother to her siblings. The following year, through the inspiration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she consecrated her life to God and became a member of the...

January 6th is the memorial of St Andre Bessette. Saint Andre was born on August 9, 1845, near Montreal, Canada as Alfred Bessette. The son of a woodcutter, her was the eighth of twelve children. His father died in a work-related accident and his mother died of tuberculosis. He was adopted at age 12 by a farmer who insisted that he work to pay for his keep. After working as a farmhand, he worked at various trades: shoemaker, baker, blacksmith -- all failures. He was a factory worker during the Civil War. At age 25, he applied to join the Congregation of the Holy Cross, but was initially refused due to his poor health. He latter gained the support of Bishop Bourget, and was finally accepted. Alfred entered the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1870, taking the name of Brother Andre. He was given the humble job of doorkeeper at Notre Dame College in Montreal, with additional duties as sacristan, laundry worker and messenger. Andre had a lifelong devotion to St. Joseph and spent much tim...

Venerable Marie Elisabeth Turgeon A Canadian religious woman is on her way to sainthood. Pope Francis recognized the heroic virtues of Servant of God Marie Elisabeth Turgeon. The Quebec-born religious founded the Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of St. Germain in Rimouski Quebec. The order dedicated itself to teaching and training other women to become teachers. She died in 1881 in Rimouski, Quebec. The Congregation of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is still active today in Quebec, Labrador, the United States, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. The Canadian nun will now be known as Venerable Marie Elisabeth Turgeon. Read the Catholic Register story about her life .

Today is the feast of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys , one of my favorite saints. She is the founder of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame, who were my teachers in both elementary and high school, when I was growing up in the 50's and 60's. St. Marguerite Bourgeoys has been described as a woman of dreams and action, despite her frail health. She was known for her obedience to God and for her perseverance in carrying out His desires despite the many obstacles and hardships she faced. Born in Troyes, France in 1620, Marguerite assumed a "parental" role in her family at age 19 due to the death of her mother. The following year, through the inspiration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she consecrated her life to God and became a member of the Extern Congregation of Troy, a group of women who were dedicated to teaching the poor children of the town. It was during this apostolate that she first sensed a call to missionary work. In 1652, Monsieur de Maisonneuve, founder and...