Mass for Brother André in the Olympic Stadium

Montreal, Canada, Nov. 23, 2010 – On Sunday October 17, 2010 Pope Benedict canonized 5 saints in Rome, including Brother André, a religious member of the Congregation of the Holy Cross.

And though the ceremony took place in Rome, this did not stop residents of Montreal from celebrating at home.  Approximately 50,000 local residents gathered on October 30, 2010 in the Montreal Olympic Stadium to commemorate their native son at a special Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, the Archbishop of Montreal.  Among those in attendance were ECYD members and the road team of Regnum Christi consecrated women who serve their area.

Consecrated woman Veronica Canales provided some background. “Brother André is from Montreal and is the second Canadian-born saint,” she said.  “It was only appropriate that, in a place where so many great athletes have been acclaimed for their skill and awarded medals, we celebrate one who won the prize that is eternal and continues to change the lives of millions through his intercession.  

 “We had our young ECYD girls and their mothers from the Ottawa area who wanted to attend the Mass,” she said. “It is not every day that a man your grandparents or neighbors knew

	Some of the ECYD members after to the Mass

becomes a saint!”

The consecrated women and ECYD members first gathered at Saint Stanislas parish in Montreal, where Fr Louis de Vaugelas, LC, is the Vicar, before making the trip to the Olympic stadium.  When asked why they had come all the way to Montreal for this Mass, the girls and moms said they wanted to take part in this historical moment for the Church and the country.

“Mass was amazing.  It lasted for 2 hours, and it was bilingual,” said Veronica.  “The girls experienced the family of the Church in their own country.  At seeing the procession of priests and bishops enter, one of them said, ‘I’ve never seen so many bishops in one place in my life!’” 

During the Mass and celebration, the girls learned much about the life of Brother André, including the three words put on his tombstone --“pauper, servus et humilis” meaning “poor, humble servant.” 

“The main message conveyed was the importance of prayer in order to live a holy life,” said Veronica.  “The entire experience was very positive for all of us. I am sure it will stay in our memories forever.”