Here is our second post giving us a glimpse into the life of Old College, the Holy Cross undergraduate seminary on the campus of Notre Dame. Today, third-year Old Collegian, Chris Brennan shares about how the men prepared for the Canonization of Brother André.
Last week, before heading home on fall break, the seminarians of Old College began praying a Novena to Saint Joseph in preparation for the Canonization of Blessed Brother André Bessette, C.S.C. In order to celebrate the Canonization and share our joy about the coming of the first saint to the Congregation of Holy Cross, the Old Collegians invited the campuses of Notre Dame, Holy Cross, and St. Mary’s to join them last Tuesday night, Oct 12, for Mass and a Procession.
Because of Brother André’s great devotion to St. Joseph, the Votive Mass of St. Joseph was celebrated by Fr. Drew Gawrych, C.S.C. Fr. Drew gave an inspiring homily, challenging the assembly to follow the examples of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and Brother André by saying yes to God’s will in their lives. He was joined by six other concelebrants who helped to make a special celebration that much more beautiful.
Following Mass there was a procession to the statue of St. Joseph overlooking St. Joseph’s Lake. As the faithful processed from the Corby Hall Chapel, led by a relic of Br. André, a litany to St. Joseph was sung.
Once assembled at the statue, the Novena to St. Joseph was prayed. At the conclusion of the Novena everyone was given an opportunity to venerate the relic of Br. André.
This special celebration was a amazingly prayerful experience that helped many of the religious and seminarians of Holy Cross as well as many of the members of the greater Notre Dame community to prepare for the Canonization of such a holy man. Saint André Bessette, pray for us!
