Over 50,000 prepare to celebrate canonization of Br. Andre

Montreal, Canada, Oct 29, 2010 / 08:02 am

The Archdiocese of Quebec is expecting over 50,000 people to attend ongoing celebrations for the recent canonization of Canadian saint, Br. André Bessette.

On Oct. 17, Pope Benedict XVI canonized the beloved Holy Cross religious, Br. Andre, known throughout the world for his tireless service to Quebec’s poor.

After the canonization Mass at St. Joseph’s Oratory last week, an icon of the saint was blessed and waits to be installed in a new chapel for Br. Andre.

From Oct. 29-31, large scale celebrations will be held during the “Rendez-vous saint frère Andre.”

On Saturday, 26 buses will transport 1,500 pilgrims to a commemorative Mass at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.

Jasmin Lemieux-Lefebvre, Communications Director of the Archdiocese of Quebec, told CNA that more than 40,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will feature performances from violinist Alexandre Da Costa and Quebec pop singer Chantal Pary.

The Mass, presided over by Cardinal Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte of Montreal, will be attended by the premiers of Canada and Quebec, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister Jean Charest, as well as many of Canada's Catholic bishops.

The gathering at the Olympic stadium will be broadcast live by Salt + Light Television.

On Sunday Oct. 31, pilgrims will process with the icon of the new saint to Br. André’s first small chapel, where it will be installed.

The Oratory of St. Joseph announced that the celebrations will continue into the New Year with a tour of Br. André’s relics, starting in January.