St. André Bessette's Spirit at St. Augustine's Seminary
The Seminary received an icon written by Sonhee Lim, wife of Deacon Vincent Seungwoo Lim, our recent Diaconate Formation Diploma in Theological Studies graduate. The icon will be officially installed on the 4th floor, adjacent to the Bessette Chapel.
In the words of Sonhee, "I pray that our encounter with Christ through this painting of St. André leads us to a greater understanding of our relationship with our Lord and opens our heart to the path of love for ourselves and others."
The icon captures a youthful rendition of St. André, an image that signifies his welcoming attitude towards those facing life's hardships. Drawing from a reference photograph, the icon presents a warm and inviting expression on St. André's visage—a reflection of the man he became and the love he radiated. This tribute is further enhanced by the inclusion of a statue of Saint Joseph and baby Jesus—a poignant symbol of St. André's unwavering devotion.
The icon tells a story of welcome and solace. With his right hand, St. André cradles the statue of St. Joseph and Jesus, evoking the sentiment of Isaiah 41:13—"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." His left hand extends slightly forward, a gesture that reaches out to the viewer, bridging the gap between the icon and the world it inhabits. The green background, symbolizing hope, resonates with St. André's life—marked by challenges yet characterized by unwavering hope born from his profound faith in Jesus.
As St. Augustine's Seminary continues to nurture spiritual leaders and stewards of faith, the icon of St. André Bessette will stand as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of a man whose life serves as an inspiration for future generations.
As we’ve written in previous articles, Spiritual Year formation is held on the 4th floor and forms a distinct community within the larger Seminary body. St. Augustine's Seminary of Toronto has the longest-running Spiritual Year program in Canada. “Inaugurated by Fr. John Yake in 2011-2012, by the invitation of Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Cardinal Collins. The patron saint is St. André Bessette who was canonized in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010,” explains Fr. Fred Chung, Director of Propaedeutic Formation/Spiritual Year.