Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints
- Andre Bessette, religious
- Peter of Canterbury, abbot
- John of Ribera, bishop
- Raphaela of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, virgin
- Wiltrudis, widow
- Erminold, abbot
- Charles of Sezze, religious
- Guarinus or Guerin, bishop
St. Andre Bessette (1845-1937 A.D.) was a Holy Cross brother with a reputation for the power of healing. He was born in the village of Saint-Gregoire d'Iberville in the diocese of Montreal, Canada. Though unable to be educated because of the death of both his parents, he chose to work. He went to the USA to work in manual occupations but returned to Canada and joined the Brothers of the Holy Cross.
Taking final religious vows in 1874 A.D., he served as janitor, infirmarian, and other duties at the College of Our Lady of the Snows near Montreal. He was then transferred to the city of Montreal itself where he helped build the Oratory of St. Joseph - the saint to whom he was greatly devoted. Much attention was centered on St. Andre Bessette because of the number of cures that were attributed to him. He was known as the "Miracle Man of Montreal". He died on January 6, 1937 A.D. at the age of ninety-one. Beatified by St. John Paul II in 1982 A.D., he was then raised to the altar as a Saint on October 17, 2010, by Pope Benedict XVI.
St. Charles of Sezze (1616-1670 A.D.) was born at Sezze, Italy, on October 19. He became a shepherd and wanted to become a priest. When unable to do so because he barely learned to read and write, he applied as a lay brother at Naziano, and served in various menial positions. He became known for his holiness, simplicity and charity.
Despite his lack of education, Charles began to put his insights into writing. Besides an extensive correspondence, he wrote a number of devotional works, described as “solid, spiritual, and seraphic.” Most famous was his spiritual autobiography, “The Grandeurs of the Mercies of God,” written at the command of his confessor. His other written works were:
- Birth of Holy Mary's Novena
- Christmas Novena
- Holy Settenario
- Invalid Path of the Soul
- Jesus Christ's Talk about Life
- The Three Ways
He was canonized in 1959 by St. John XXIII.
Learn more from:
Short review of all the Saints Lives' for the month of January.
Saints in the Byzantine Calendar [January 6]
- Epiphany, or Holy Manifestation of the Divinity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
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