Statue of André Bessette facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of André Bessette |
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The statue in 2010
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| Artist | Émile Brunet |
| Medium | Bronze sculpture |
| Subject | André Bessette |
| Location | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| 45°30′12″N 73°34′00″W / 45.50334°N 73.56664°W | |
The Statue of André Bessette (French: Monument au Frère André) is an outdoor bronze sculpture in Place du frère Andre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This monument honors André Bessette, who was widely known as Brother André (French: Frère André). After he was recognized as a saint, people began calling him Saint André.
The Canadian artist Émile Brunet created this statue. It was officially revealed to the public on November 2, 1986. The mayor of Montreal at the time, Jean Drapeau, was present for the special event.
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About the Statue of André Bessette
This statue is an important piece of art in Montreal. It helps people remember a very special person in Canadian history. The statue is made of bronze, which is a strong metal. Bronze sculptures are known for lasting a very long time.
The statue shows Brother André in a way that captures his spirit. It is located in a public space where many people can see it. This helps share his story with new generations.
Who Was Brother André?
André Bessette was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1845. His full name was Alfred Bessette. He became a member of a religious group called the Congregation of Holy Cross. He took the name Brother André.
Brother André worked as a doorman at Notre Dame College in Montreal. He was known for his kindness and his strong faith. Many people came to him seeking comfort and advice. He was believed to have healing abilities.
He dedicated his life to helping others. He also played a big part in building the Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal. This is a very famous church in Montreal. Brother André passed away in 1937. He was later recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2010.
The Artist: Émile Brunet
Émile Brunet was a talented Canadian sculptor. He was born in 1893 and passed away in 1977. Brunet created many important sculptures throughout his career. His works often honored historical figures and events.
He was known for his realistic style. This means his sculptures looked very much like the people or things they represented. Brunet's work can be found in many public spaces in Canada. His statue of Brother André is one of his well-known pieces.
Where to Find the Statue
The Statue of André Bessette is located in Place du frère Andre. This is a public square in downtown Montreal. The square is named after Brother André himself. It is a peaceful spot where people can relax.
The statue stands near the famous Saint Joseph's Oratory. This makes it easy for visitors to see both the statue and the oratory. The location helps connect the statue directly to Brother André's life and work. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
