An edition of The life of Jean-Jacques Olier
(1885)
The Life of Jean-Jacques Olier
founder of the Seminary of St. Sulpice
New and enlarged edition.
by Edward Healy Thompson
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Grand Séminaire de Saint-Sulpice, Sulpicians, BiographyShowing 3 featured editions. View all 3 editions?
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The Life of Jean-Jacques Olier: founder of the Seminary of St. Sulpice
1886, Burns & Oates, Catholic Publication Society
in English
- New and enlarged edition.
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The life of Jean-Jacques Olier: founder of the seminary of St. Sulpice.
1885, Burns & Oates
in English
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Book Details
Table of Contents
CONTENTS
Dedication
Advertisement
Letter of the Bishop of Salford
Protestation
PART I.
CONVERSION AND VOCATION.
CHAPTER I.
EARLY YEARS OF M. OLIER. HIS CONVERSION.
His parentage ; birth and baptism at Paris. Indications in childhood of his future vocation. His singular devotion to the Blessed Virgin. His great natural vivacity. Removal of his family to Lyons. He attends the classes of the Jesuit Fathers. A perilous feat He is tonsured and put in possession of a benefice when eight years old. Presented to St. Francis de Sales, who foretells his future services to the Church. Receives the blessing of the dying Saint. Effects of sin on his intellectual faculties. A narrow escape from drowning. He desires to embrace the religious life. Returns with his family to Paris, and enters the University. His success at the College d'Harcourt. Attends the schools of the Sorbonne. Is made Abbe of P^brac at eighteen years of age ; becomes a fashionable preacher. His worldliness and ambition ; distress of his parents. Marie Rousseau : her history and aspirations.
Her first acquaintance with M. Olier ; his conversion made the subject of her prayers. M. Olier goes to Rome to study Hebrew ; his sight becomes affected. Makes a pilgrimage to Loreto ; is instantaneously cured, and receives the grace of a complete conversion
CHAPTER II.
COMMENCEMENT OF HTS APOSTOLIC LIFE. HIS VOCATION AND ELEVATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD.
Death of his father ; he is summoned home. His mother's treatment of him.
His heroic charity in instructing the outcasts of Paris and poor scholars. Consequent anger and scorn of his relatives and acquaintances. Influence of his example. Supports his cousin, Mile, de Bussy, in her determination to become a Carmelite nun. His liberality to the church of Notre Dame. He kisses the feet and the sores of the poor ; a touching instance of this. Avoids all public display. Pilgrimage to Notre Dame de Chartres. His secret austerities. Finds a counsellor in the Mere Desgranges; his letter to her. The Mere Agn&s de J£sus is bidden by our Lord and His Virgin Mother to intercede for his sanctification. lie makes several pilgrimages to ascertain his vocation. Sermon at St. Paul's, Paris. His vocation shown him in a dream. Takes St. Vincent de Paul as his director. Is employed by him in giving country missions. Prepares for the reception of holy orders ; is ordained priest ; his first Mass. Profession of Mile, de Bussy. He vows a perpetual servitude to the Blessed Virgin ; his pious veneration of her images. The Conferences of St. Lazare iS
CHAPTER III.
SuPERNATURAL VISIT OF THE MERE ACIECS DE JESUS. MISSION IN AUVERGNE. ATTEMPTED REFORM OF THE ABBEY OF PEBRAC. DEATH OF THE MERE AGNICS.
M. Olier's preparation for evangelizing the parishes dependent on his abbey of Pebrac ; his associates. Retreat at St. Lazare ; apparition of a Dominican nun. Commencement of the mission ; M. Olier's charity and zeal ; his great humility. Visit to the convent at Langeac ; recogni- tion of the M&re Agn&s ; she announces to him his vocation. Her counsels and admonitions. Deplorable state of the Abbey of Pebrac;
M. Olier's efforts at reform. Arranges a plan with M. Alain Solminihac. Interference of the steward ; the monks appeal to the Cardinal de la Rochefoucauld ; the plan for the present defeated. M. Olier opposed to the mitigated reform of Ste. Genevieve. Success of the mission in Auvergne. The M£re Agnfes takes him for her spiritual guide ; effects of their holy intercourse. He is summoned to Paris by the P&re de Condren ; takes a last farewell of the M£re Agnis. Her death super- naturally revealed to him. Her angel -guardian bequeathed to him as the angel of his office. A voice from the Tabernacle consoles him. His letter to her bereaved religious. He sells his carriage and horses. Is offered a bishopric. Note on the apparition of the M&re Agnfcs and on her relics 124
CHAPTER IV.
PIERE DE CONDREN. M. OLIER TAKES HIM AS HIS DIRECTOR.
Extraordinary gifts of this holy man. Testimonies rendered thereto. His gift of personal influence ; he is withheld from writing. His disciples. His prescriptions respecting the study of Holy Scripture. His advice to the Bishop of Comminges. St. Vincent de Paul urges M. Olier to accept the offered bishopric ; P. de Condren has other designs regarding him. He is moved to take the Father as his director. His special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. His practices of piety to the Blessed Virgin ; keeps Saturday as her festival. Declines proceeding to the doctorate. Desires to go on the Canadian mission; is enjoined by his director to engage in country missions. Makes a preparatory retreat ; the lights he receives as to Jesus being really present in souls. P. de Condren's maxims and form of prayer, subsequently adopted in the Seminary of St. Sulpice. Dangerous passage of the Seine 48
CHAPTER V.
SECOND MISSION IN AUVERGNE.
M. Olier takes part in a retreat given to the inmates of the Hdpital de la Pitie Marriage of his eldest brother. Reproaches of his family. Commencement of the second Auvergne mission. Fervour of the people. Effects of M. Olier's preaching. His humility, love of poverty, and charity to the poor. His way of teaching children. Assiduity in prayer, penances, and transports of divine love. His letter imploring an additional supply of priests. M. Meyster : particulars of his conversion ; P. de Condren's estimation of him. Missions conducted by M. Amelote and others. Success of the Auvergne mission ; its permanent effects. Violent opposition at P£brac ; M. Olier's life .threatened ; subsequent conversion of his chief enemy. Co-operation of the country clergy. Conference established at Le Puy. M. Olier's self-reproaches and scruples of conscience. Instances of his disinterestedness and poverty of spirit. Marie de Valence : her devotion to the Adorable Trinity ; constant prayers for the secular clergy. M. Oder's alarming illness and remarkable recovery.
He is visited by his mother and youngest brother. Affection shown him by the poor. Death of his sister Marie. Retreat at Toumon ; he receives the gift of a higher order of prayer and of a more perfect dependence on the Spirit of Jesus. Carriage upset in returning to Paris. His reception there. M. du Ferrier's account of his mode of life in the world, and of the effects produced in him by associating with M. Amelote and others. Various missions in and about Paris. A triumph over human respect 60
CHAPTER VI.
THE NUNS OF LA REGRIPPIERRE. PERE BERNARD. PIERRE DE QUERIOLET. ADRIEN BOURDOISE. MISSIONS IN BRITTANY, PICARDY, &C.
M. Olier visits his priory of Clisson ; makes frequent pilgrimages to Notre Dame de Toute Joie. The convent of La Regrippierre ; irregular lives of its inmates. M. Olier takes up his lodging in their hen-house ; agitation among the nuns. He is invited to preach ; conversion of the Soeur de Vauldray and others. Repairs to Nantes ; is detained by illness.
His spiritual relations with the M&re de Bressand and the Soeur Boufard. Birth of Louis XIV.; incident connected therewith. The Soeur Francoise-Madeleine de la Roussi&re : miraculous favour vouchsafed to her. M. Olier prosecutes the reform of La Regrippiere ; visits the Abbey of Fontevrault. Resumes his theological studies. Claude Bernard "the Poor Priest" his singular character. Pierre de Queriolet : his evil life and conversion ; his meeting with P. Bernard. Adrien Bourdoise : his zeal for the restoration of ecclesiastical discipline. Instance of his pleasantry. His reception of M. Olier and companions. Mission at Marchefroy ; a practical sermon. Mission at Illiers ; conversion of the Bellier family. Fran^oise Fouquet : her purity of conscience and patience under suffering. M. Olier is nominated Coadjutor to the Bishop of Chelons ; declines the offered dignity ; appointment of M. Vialar. The associates choose M. Amelote for their superior. Mission at Amiens ; conversion of a Swedish colonel and his men ; his death ; fervour of the soldiers. The Corporation of the city offer the missioners an extraordinary mark of honour. Strange accusation against M. Meyster. Mission at Montdidier ; the llluminks of Picardy ; their conversion. Mission at Mantes ; its results. M. Bourdoise instructs M. Olier and his associates in the ceremonies of the Church. The Abbe Saint-Cyran tries his arts on them and on M. Bourdoise. Encounter between the latter and the Cardinal de Richelieu ; admirable behaviour of the Duchesse d'Aiguillon 77
CHAPTER VII.
TRIALS OF M. OLIER, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR. DEATH OF P. DE CONDREN.
M. Olier's aspirations after spiritual perfection. His two petitions to God. His extraordinary trials: withdrawal of spiritual gifts; suspension of bodily and mental powers ; interior darkness and distress ; fears and scruples of conscience ; temptations to vainglory. He is contemned and derided ; interdicted from preaching and hearing confessions. Apparent estrangement of P. de Condren. Marie Rousseau called to co-operate in the erection of the Seminary and the reformation of the parish of St. Sulpice. Takes P. Bataille as her director. Her interview with P. de Condren ; frequent communications with him. His long conversation with M. du Ferrier ; he discloses to him his designs respecting himself and his associates. His last hours and death ; public recog- nitions of his sanctity. He appears in glory to M. Olier and to M. Meyster 102
CHAPTER VIII.
ATTEMPTED SEMINARY AT CHARTRES. REFORM OF LA REGRIPPIERRE COMPLETED. M. OLIER DELIVERED FROM HIS TRIALS. DISSOLUTION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT AT CHARTRES.
Failure of the French Oratory in providing ecclesiastical seminaries; a matter of congratulation. M. Olier and his associates retire to Epernon. His visit to the cathedral at Chartres ; he is partially relieved from his trials. Takes as his director M. Picot£, the first of the associates to be brought into close relations with Marie Rousseau. His adventure with highwaymen. M. Olier's letter to the Soeur de Vauldray on adoring the Will of God. Mission at Chartres. The associates fail in founding a seminary in that city. M. Meyster retires from the society. M. de Foix and M. du Ferrier make a pilgrimage to Notre Dame des Ardilliers. Accompany M. Olier to La R^grippi&re. The Soeur de la Troche : her obstinate resistance and conversion. Enclosure of the convent grounds. Completion of the reform. Return to Chartres. Dissolution of the establishment there 115
CHAPTER IX.
SEMINARY OF VAUGIRARD. M. OLIER'S STATE OF UNION WITH GOD.
Mme. de Villeneuve : she advises the associates to establish themselves at Vaugirard. Opposition on the part of M. Olier and others. He receives a divine illumination on the subject. Withdrawal of all his associates except M. de Foix and M. du Ferrier. They engage a house at Vaugirard.
M. de Foix chosen superior. They place themselves under the guidance of P. Tarrisse ; his character and virtues. M. Olier takes P. Bataille as his personal director ; grief of the latter at the state of the parish of St. Sulpice. Marvellous change in M. Olier: his state of union with God ; his interior light and joy ; his supernatural gifts. He makes a vow of servitude to Jesus. The Three Solitaries solemnly consecrate themselves to the Blessed Trinity at Montmartre. Letter of M. Bourdoise, and the reply. He visits Vaugirard. Extraordinary influence exercised by Marie Rousseau. M. Olier's gift of science and eloquence. Providential succours. M. de Bassancourt visits Vaugirard, and remains. M. Amelote applies, and is refused ; his true vocation. M. de Sainte-Marie joins the community 124
CHAPTER X.
SPIRIT OF THE SEMINARY OF VAUGIRARD. M. OLIER'S INSTRUCTIONS AND PERSONAL INFLUENCE.
Cardinal de Richelieu offers the associates his chateau of Ruel. M. Olier elected superior. MM. de Gondrin, de Queylus, de la Chassaigne, de Pousse, d'Hurtevent, de Cambrac, and others join the community at Vaugirard. M. Copin requests the associates to take charge of the parish during his absence. M. de Rochefort's donation of his house.
M. Olier's grace of Scriptural exegesis. His deep sense of his own nothingness. Opposition to his undertaking on the part of good men. Failure of all past attempts to establish ecclesiastical seminaries in France.
M. Olier the first to succeed. Begins to write his Memoires . His instructions to his ecclesiastics. Removal of their doubts and perplexities. Killing the old man. Union with Jesus Christ in His acts and intentions. Spiritual state of the community. Brother Claude : his exalted sanctity and extraordinary gifts. His first meeting with M. Olier. Insight of the latter into the secrets of hearts. Lights vouchsafed to him in preaching. Application of his words to individual souls. Request of his cousin, Mme. Dolu de Dampierre ; how received by him. Instructions to school-mistresses and scholars 141
CHAPTER XI.
M. OLIER ACCEPTS THE PASTORAL CHARGE OF THE PARISH OF ST. SULPICE. REMOVAL OF THE SEMINARY FROM VAUGIRARD TO PARIS.
The parish of St. Sulpice. M. de Fiesque offers to resign it to the associates. They refuse to entertain the proposal. M. du Ferrier consults Marie Rousseau ; her preternatural knowledge. She disposes M. Olier in favour of the project. He discusses the subject with M. de Foix and M. du Ferrier. Decisive approval of P. Tarrisse. Opposition of friends; especially of M. Renar. M. Olier and his two colleagues alone in favour of the undertaking. Interposition of three religious ; all objections removed.
M. Olier enjoined by his directors to accept the office of Cure ; his motives in consenting. The three special objects of his vocation. Approval of the Abbd de St. Germain. M. Olier makes a solemn vow of devotion to the service of the parish. Remonstrances of his family ; his charitable judgment of their conduct. His sentiments on the pastoral office. Makes a retreat under P. Bataille. M. de Fiesque resolves to quit the parish. Hurried removal from Vaugirard. M. Olier provisionally inducted.
His first official act. Establishment of the Seminary ; the respect and confidence with which he is regarded. He is seized with an alarming illness ; its effects on his souL His sudden and complete recovery. He is installed Cur6 of St. Sulpice. His twofold vocation. Summary of his Meditations during Retreat 158
PART II.
REFORM OF THE PARISH OF ST. SULPICE.
CHAPTER I.
Frightful State of the Parish. M. Olier establishes a Community of Parochial Clergy. Restoration of Ecclesiastical Discipline.
Decay of faith in Europe. The Faubourg St. Germain ; prevalent impiety and hatred of religion. The practice of magic. General lawlessness. Evil effects of the annual fair. State of the church and its ministers. Immoral and irreligious lives of the chief inhabitants. M. Olier's address to his parochial clergy. Its partial effect. M. du Ferrier made superior of the community. M. Olier's kindness and liberality to the old clergy.
The spirit of poverty and self-sacrifice in the community. M. Olier's personal example. Exclusion of females from Presbytery and Seminary. Equality observed among the clergy. Obedience to superiors, and conformity to rules. M. Olier's instructions. Division of the parish into districts. M. Olier's maxims for confessors. Selection of patron saints.
He invites the religious Orders to assist him at Easter. His vow of perfection. Fmulation inspired among the members of the community. His one dominant desire, the sanctification of the sacerdotal Order. Requested by the Cur£s of Paris to provide them with priests and rules of conduct Consulted by Bishops on establishing seminaries in their dioceses. Resolution of the Queen Regent respecting nominations to the episcopate 181
CHAPTER II.
M. OLIER'S REFORMS AT ST. SULPICE.
His exposition of Christian doctrine. Unceasing prayer for his flock. Catechetical teaching. His manner with children. Careful training of acolyths. Associations of young girls. Instructions to servants, street-beggars, and the aged poor. The General Catechism. Short discourses for workmen. Examination of school-teachers and mid wives. Sacrilegious practice of the Lutherans. Public and private conferences for Protestants. P. Veron : his character and style of controversy. Violent conduct of the Calvinists. M. Olier visits the Protestant minister, Aubertin, on his deathbed ; false charge founded thereon. Instance of fanatical cruelty. Erection of a bookstall. Importance attached by M. Olier to the sacrament of Confirmation. His zeal for souls. Fervour in preaching ; effects thereof. Conversion of a merry-andrew. Reform of guilds. Revival of piety among the people. The church crowded 200
CHAPTER III.
M. OLIER'S REFORMS CONTINUED.
Revival of devotion to the Blessed Sacrament Renovation of the church, and regulation of the Divine Offices. Public observance of the Canonical Hours. Early Masses. Visits to the Tabernacle. Institution of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament Rebuke to the Princesse de CondA Exposition and solemn Benediction. The Forty Hours* Adora- tion. Infrequent communion and indevotion to Mary among the effects of Jansenistic teaching ; M. Olier's counter-teaching and practice. Preparation for first communion; sample of his addresses to the young. Anne-Auger Granry : his holy death. M. Olier's love of the poor and indulgent charity. Brother John of the Cross : how he obtained the title. Alms-bags refilled. Reorganization of the Confraternity of Charity. Mme. Leschassier and her daughter. Introduction of the Sisters of Charity. Confessors forbidden to give alms to their penitents. Suppression of infamous houses ; asylum provided for the penitent. M. Olier's grief for the loss of souls. Efficacy of his prayers and penances. Awful death of an abandoned woman. M. Olier's courage in protecting and rescuing innocent girls. His zeal for the sanctity of marriage ; preparatory instructions. He is offered the parish of St Jacques du Haut Pas by the Queen Regent ; dissuaded from accepting by Marie Rousseau.
M. Creinet. P. Yvan : his character and virtues. Retreats for clergy ; rules strictly enforced ; case of the Abbe Vallavoire. Conversion of a Canon. Outrage on a country Cure ; M. Olier's energetic action in his behalf. His Considerations on the Canonical Hours .213
CHAPTER IV.
ATTEMPT TO EXPEL M. OLIER FROM ST. SULPICE.
Opposition to the Seminary on the part of the Abbe de St. Germain and others. M. Olier's tranquillity under expectation of persecution. His plans thwarted by the church- wardens. He purchases a site. Renews his engagement at Montmartre. Encouraged by an interior voice. The monks of Clisson claim possession of the Priory ; judgment given in their favour. M. de Fiesque formulates a charge against him. Vexatious proceedings of the church-wardens. M. Olier insulted in presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Prince Henri de Bourbon sides with his adversaries. M. Olier's reliance on Providence. Despondency of his colleagues. Treachery of servants. Conspiracy of libertines and profligates. Attack on the Presbytery. M. Olier seized and dragged out. Has a vision of St. Sulpice consoling him. Sb Vincent de Paul menaced and struck. Courage of M. Pons de Lagrange. M. Olier is conveyed to the Luxembourg. His humility and charity. Closing of the church 237
CHAPTER V.
M. OLIER RE-INSTATED IN HIS PRESBYTERY. THE SEMINARY ERECTED INTO A COMMUNITY.
Petition to the Council of State referred to the Parliament of Paris. M. Olier's cause advocated by high and influential personages. His simple piety and trust in God. The Parliament orders his re-instatement. Renewal of the tumult ; attempt to burn the Presbytery ; arrival of the royal guards and flight of the rioters. The Parliament takes active measures. M. Olier resumes his preaching ; a strange interruption. Restoration of a dying woman. An audacious demonstration ; decree of the Parliament against its authors. M. Olier's continual supplication for his flock. Return of the dispersed clergy. M. de Queylus joins the community. M. Olier publicly insulted by Prince Henri de Bourbon ; his generosity and charity to his enemies. He is urged to quit the parish and accept the bishopric of Rodez ; his admirable replies. He submits the matter to the AbW de St. Germain ; M. de Fiesque raises his demands ; the affair definitively concluded. Liberality of M. Olier and his friends. Generous conduct of M. de Barrault. M. Corbel sent as a novice to Pebrac ; his simplicity and spirit of obedience. Perverseness of the Prior. M. Olier exchanges the abbey for that of Cercanceau ; his motives for so doing. His filial piety. Formal act of association. Cordial co-operation of the AbW de St. Germain. Erection of the Seminary into a Community. M. Olier's reliance on God alone 247
CHAPTER VI.
REVIVAL OF DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
M. Olier's resumption of pastoral labours. The Community recruited by men of good birth. Devotion to the Blessed Eucharist the sure and abiding source of reformation. Its transforming power. God sends men endowed with a special grace for the needs of the Church. M. Olier raised up to revive devotion to the Blessed Eucharist in France. Favoured with divine lights and graces. Suppression of disorders. Increase of communicants. Seven lamps kept burning before the Tabernacle. Sacrilegious robbery at St. Sulpice. Public act of reparation. Discovery of one of the culprits. Memorials of the crime. Association of Perpetual Adoration. Beauty of the offices in the church. Marvellous influence exerted by M. Olier through the indwelling presence oi Christ. Examples of this. He repudiates all personal merit His life conformed to that of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Priests living Tabernacles. Their vocation and office a ground of self-abasement The parish of St Sulpice a pattern to all France 264
CHAPTER VII.
M. OLIER'S INFLUENCE WITH THE GENTLEMEN OF HIS PARISH.
The Company of the Passion. The Baron de Renty. The Marquis de Fenelon. M. du Four. A penitent malgri lui. M. Olier's influence with military men. Effects of their example. M. Olier's treatises on the interior and Christian life. The mania for duelling ; deathbed of M.
La Roque- Saint-Chamarant M. Olier's severe measures against the practice. Public protestation of the Company of the Passion. Adopted and enforced by high authorities. Edict of Louis XIV. Obloquy incurred by the Marquis de Fenelon ; his heroic virtue ; deathbed of his son. Results of M. Olier's exertions for the sanctification of the gentry ; formation of lay communities. Effects produced on French society ; testimony of M. de Saint-Evremond 281
CHAPTER VIII.
M. OLIER'S INFLUENCE WITH LADIES OF RANK AND OTHERS.
His discourse on the vanity of all earthly things. Denunciation of self-display and immodesty in dress. Devotion to angel-guardians. Rebukes to fine ladies. Restoration to life of a girl apparently dead. Mme. Rantzau : her gift for converting Protestants. Instance of the piety of the Duchesse d'Aiguillon. Mile, de Portes : story of her vow ; she is confirmed in her vocation by M. Olier. Respect shown by him to the Due d'Orl&ins. Conversion of Prince Henri de Cond£; his death.
M. Olier's letter to the Princess on the spirit in which she should spend her days of mourning. His instructions on the right use of worldly grandeur. Addresses to the rich and great. Admonitions to seigneurs. Letter of the Baron de Renty respecting a mission in his domain. The Marquis de Fenelon establishes a community of missionaries at Magnac.
M. Olier's letter to M. Couderc, their superior 292
CHAPTER IX.
M. OLIER'S RELATIONS WITH CHARLES II.
His constant intercessions for England. He desires to join the English mission. The AbW d'Aubigny : his early life. How he was brought into relations with St Sulpice. Marriage of the Princesse Anne de Gonzague ; her penitence, subsequent relapse, and final conversion. The Abbe takes M. du Ferrier as his director ; the happy effects thereof Introduces M. Olier to the King. His influence with Charles. Receives a Cardinal's hat on his deathbed. M. Olier has conferences with the King ; begs his community to help him with their prayers. The King's expressions of confidence in his teaching ; his secret abjuration of Protestantism. M. Olier promises to supply him with soldiers to regain his kingdom. Charles's relapse ; his expressions of remorse. His sorrow on hearing of M. Olier's death. Relics and papers found after the King's decease. His obligations to M. Olier. The Marquis of Worcester and the Earl of Bristol : their prevarication. M. Olier's vocation a hidden one ; hence the slight recognition of his works and merits 307
CHAPTER X.
FURTHER EXAMPLES OF M. OLIER'S PASTORAL ZEAL.
Crowded state of the church. M. Olier's desire to erect a new one. Proposal adopted by the parishioners. Design approved by the wardens.
A narrow escape. Commencement of the building. The work interrupted by the troubles of the Fronde. Conversion of a house into a chapel of ease, and its dedication to St. Anne. A specimen of P. Veron's method of controversy ; unfruitful of results. Clement the cutler and Beaumais the draper : their powers of disputation and extraordinary success. M. Bourdoise's protest against the inertness and laxity of the clergy. M. Olier's efforts to abate the disorders of the Fair of St. Germain. Conversions of comedians. Moli&re's troop obliged to leave Paris. M. Olier's influence with people of the world. Instructions to fathers of families, shopkeepers, and artisans. He publishes his Christian Day. Retreats to women. Employment of ladies and others in various works of charity. Mme. Le Bret and Mme. Tronson. The Maison ^Instruction. Mile. Leschassier : her remarkable talents and charitable labours. Orphanage for girls. Periodical meetings in connection with the several institutions. Zeal of the parishioners. M. Olier's devotion to the Holy See; his happiness at being under its immediate jurisdiction. He instructs his people in the ceremonies of the Church. Revival of pilgrimages. Increased respect for the clergy. Instances recorded by M. du Ferrier. Testimony to the reformation effected by M. Olier and HIS COLLEAGUES 317
CHAPTER XI.
M. OLIER AND JANSENISM.
Zeal for reform taken as a sign of sympathy with the Jansenistic party. M. Olier accused of favouring it ; his public protestation. Insincerity of the innovators. M. Olier's letter to the Marquise de Portes, warning her against them. Brother John of the Cross in danger of being insnared. Timidity and disaffection of clergy and others. Hostility of M. Copin to M. Olier and the Sulpicians. Disgraceful tactics of the Jansenistic faction. M. Olier accused of false doctrine ; his defence. Attempt of the Oratorians to establish a house in his parish. P. S^guenot and P. Desmares inhibited from preaching. The Abbe de Bourzeis : his duplicity. Perversion of influential laity. The Due and Duchesse de Liancourt sign a formal protestation of obedience to the Holy See ; fraudulently accepted by the Jansenistic leaders. Discussion on grace at the Presbytery of St. Sulpice. M. du Hamel : his system of public penance. The solitaries of Port Royal des Champs.
M. Olier's discourse against Jansenistic doctrines and practices. Fury of the party. Desmares publishes a formal charge against him. Jansenistic teaching dishonouring to God. The Five Propositions. Appeal to Rome. The Bull Cum occasione, Dishonesty of the innovators. They attempt to use the Parisian Congregation of the Propagation of the Faith for their own purposes. The manoeuvre defeated. The Abbe d'Aubigny refuses to be a party to it. Weakness of the Archbishop of Paris. Cardinal Mazarin dissolves the Congregation. The Due de Liancourt refused absolution. M. Arnauld publishes his Letter to a Person of Condition ; its misrepresentations. His second Letter condemned by the Sorbonne. Death of the Duke and Duchess. Recantation of the AbW de Bourzeis. M. Olier's vigilance and zeal. His precautions to guard the Seminary against the introduction of false doctrine. Testimony of F^nelon to its loyalty to the Holy See 33
CHAPTER XII.
M. OLIER'S CONDUCT DURING THE TROUBLES OF THE FRONDE.
Causes of the rebellion. Favoured by the Jansenists. The Cardinal de Retz. Day of the Barricades. Peace temporarily restored. Recommencement of hostilities ; the Court leaves Paris. Parliament denounces Mazarin. The Jansenists take part with the insurgents. M. Offer's penances, and exhortations to his people. His measures for the relief of the destitute poor. His exhaustless charity. Perilous visit to St. Germain-en-Laye. Distribution of alms. Lenten dispensations. End of the First War of Paris ; return of the Court. M. Olier resigns his benefices. Relaxation of morals ; remedies adopted by M. Olier ; mission given by P. Eudes. Dearth of provisions; sufferings of the people. M. Olier organizes a system of relief. The Company of Charity ; its operations. Establishment of orphanages. The Council of Charity. Arrest of the Princes de Condd and de Conti ; conduct of the Princess, their mother ; her death. Louis XIV. at St. Sulpice. War in the provinces; the young Princesse de Conde. Flight of Mazarin ; liberation of the Princes ; their reconciliation with the Court. The Queen Mother asks counsel of M. Olier. His letter of advice to her. Rupture between the Prince de Conde and the Court. Renewal of the war. Mazarin resumes the conduct of affairs. The Due d'Orl&ins joins the Prince de Conde ; the Jansenists offer him aid. Paris again threatened ; eucounter between Conde and Turenne ; disorders within the city ; attack on the magistracy. General reaction ; unconditional surrender of the capital. M. Olier opens asylums for homeless girls and destitute nuns. His prayers and austerities to appease the wrath of God. Reproved by the Blessed Virgin for intermitting his acts of intercession. The people moved to contrition ; restoration of peace. The Queen Mother's vow. Establishment of the Filles du Saint-Sacrement. The Mire Madeleine de la Trinity : her supernatural charity ; the Nuns of Notre Dame de Mislricorde. Banishment of the Due d'Orllans. Mme. de Saujeon. Repentance of the Duke. Piety of his daughter, the Duchesse de Guise. Conversion of the Prince de Conti ; his close relations with St. Sulpice ; abjuration of Jansenism.
Last days of the Prince de Condi 360
CHAPTER XIII.
PILGRIMAGES AND JOURNEYS. M. OLIER RESIGNS HIS CURE.
M. Olier's failing health ; his reluctance to take repose. He visits Chatillon-sur-Seine, Clairvaux, Dijon, and Citeaux. At Beaune makes acquaintance with the Venerable Marguerite du Saint-Sacrement 5 their spiritual relations; devotion to the Sacred Infancy at St. Sulpice. Journey to Saint-Claude ; perils and discomforts on the way ; he venerates the body of the Saint. Visits the tomb of St. Francis de Sales at Annecy; receives a divine intimation. Anne-Marie Rossat : her spirit of obedience. M. Olier passes by Geneva ; at Grenoble sees again the Mire de Bressand, and makes acquaintance with Mme. d'Herculais ; her life a miracle of prayer. Sojourns at the Grande Chartreuse. Visits Saint- Antoine de Vienne ; at Valence confers with Marie Tessonniere ; M. de Bretonvilliers's account of the interview. Passes on to Avignon, visiting on his way the Mire Franjoise de Mazelli. The Holy Places of Provence.
At Aix the Mire Madeleine de la Trinity by his direction resigns her office of superioress. Returns to Avignon ; visits the Mire de St Michel ; their iputual veneration. Proceeds to Nfmes and Montpellier. Letter to M. de Parlages. Passes on to Clermont-Lodlve and Rodez. Visits the tomb of St. Martial at Limoges. M. Olier's recollection and detachment Constancy in prayer. Tender charity to the poor. Instance of its abuse. His humility and simplicity. He destroys an immodest picture. Makes a retreat at Meulan. Visits Chartres and Notre Dame des Ardilliers. Grooms a traveller's horse. Completes the reform of his priory of Clisson. Visits the tomb of St Vincent Ferrer and the shrine of Ste. Anne d'Auray. Farewell to the nuns of La R^grippi&re. Visits Marmoutier, Candes, and Tours ; his devotion to St Martin. Irregularities of his parochial clergy corrected by M. du Ferrier. M. Olier takes up his abode in the Community house. His habitual recollection in God during his journeys. Their effect on the provincial clergy. He is seized with a violent fever. Resigns his parish. Makes his will. Improvement of health. M. de Bretonvilliers appointed Curl. M. Olier's self-accusations . 389
PART III
THE COMMUNITY AND THE SEMINARY.
CHAPTER I.
GOD'S DESIGN IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SEMINARY.
M. Offer's vocation ; its importance. He is called to fulfil the object which the Oratory had failed to effect. The active concurrence of PP. Tarrisse and Bataille. M. Olier and his colleagues destined to accomplish in part the special work of St. Benedict. The Seminary designed to form clergy for the whole of France. God's promise to Marie Rousseau ; its rapid and permanent fulfilment. Marvellous survival of the Seminary to the present day. Its dependence on the Blessed Virgin. Commissioned to rekindle the fervour of piety among the doctors of the Church. Intended to be the model to other seminaries. Difference of its plan from that of St. Charles Borromeo. Instituted to revive loyalty and devotion to the Holy See ; and obedience to the Prelates of the Church.
M. Offer's teaching on this subject. The prerogatives of St. Peter perpetuated in the Popes. The dignity and power of the Episcopate ; the channel of graces to the Priesthood and people. Poverty of the Seminary ; its strict enforcement. M. Olier and his colleagues reduced to great straits. They refuse the direction of religious houses and other extraneous works. The efforts of the Jansenists to introduce their errors into the Seminary defeated. Case of M. de Gondrin 413
CHAPTER II.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SEMINARY. ITS INTERIOR SPIRIT.
La Belle Image. The Seminary of Vaugirard re-established; fervour of the clerics. Provisional buildings at Paris. M. Offer is favoured with divine illuminations respecting the future Seminary. The Blessed Virgin shows him in an ecstasy a model of the building. His perfect reliance on the Providence of God. Offer made to M. du Ferrier ; its collapse. Munificence of the brothers Souart and of M. de Breton- villiers. The work commenced ; description of the building, and of the chapel. Devotion to the Interior Life of Jesus the first spiritual foundation of the Seminary. Devotion to the interior life of Mary, the second. Mary the channel of all graces. St. John the Evangelist a special patron of the Seminary. Masses for the intentions of the Blessed Virgin. Other patrons : St. Joseph, the Apostles, St. Dominic, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis of Paula, St. Martin of Tours, St. Denis,
St. Ambrose, and St. Gregory. The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin the principal feast of the Seminary. Her answer to M. Olier in prayer.
The royal letters-patent registered by the Parliament. The President Moll chosen civil patron of the Seminary. Retirement of P. Bataille ; death of P. Tarrisse, and of Marie Rousseau ; M. du Ferrier's testimony to her virtues 427
CHAPTER III.
M. OLIER'S METHOD OF SPIRITUAL TRAINING.
M. Godeau's commendation of the Seminary. M. Olier's exalted idea of the ecclesiastical state. M. de Lantages. The virtues proper to clerics : simplicity and modesty ; humility ; mortification of the senses. Perfection of M. Olier's own practice. Condemnation of indiscreet austerities. Virtues continued : interior mortification ; obedience and fidelity to rule. M. Olier's spirit of self-abasement. His dislike of self-disparagement The Blessed Sacrament the source of divine life and virtue.
M. Olier's teaching on prayer. Meditation on the Gospels. Reverence for the Scriptures. Observance of the ceremonial of the Church ; study of its hidden meanings. Training of the clerics in parochial functions.
M. Olier's letter to M. de Shvc on deferring his ordination ; the spirit in which it was received. His reprimand to M. de Meliand. The Prince de Conti rebuked by a seminarist. Frequent catechisings. Educational communities. Fervour and regularity of the seminarists. Formation of pious and instructed priests. True motives and dispositions for study. Three kinds of knowledge. Rules for conducting public disputations.
The perfect Christian student represented in M. Blanlo and M. de Poussl. M. Olier's treatises ; their nature and style. His Spiritual Letters . His writings published anonymously. The method of prayer approved by him 444
CHAPTER IV.
THE COMMUNITY OF ST. SULPICE : ITS CONSTITUTION AND INTERIOR SPIRIT.
M. Olier's reliance on Divine Providence for supplying subjects. Vocation of M. Souart. The tragical end of M. Meyster. M. de Bretonvilliers : M. Olier's eulogy of him. M. Tronson : his wonderful gifts. The Interior Seminary. Protestation to be made by every member of the Community. The spirit of servitude. Practical rules ; schedule of self-examination. Pietas Seminarii ; illustrative of the spirit of the Seminary. M. Baudrand's summary of M. Olier's teaching. Instructions on the use of worldly goods. The spirit of obedience exemplified in M. d'Hurtevent and M. de Lantages. M. Olier's care for the health of his subjects. Establishment of the noviciate at Avron. Transferred to Issy. Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto. Its destruction by the Communists ; its restoration.
Jansenism unable to gain a footing in St. Sulpice. M. de Foix made Bishop of Pamiers ; becomes a supporter of the Jansenistic party ; as do three other prelates. Their dissimulation. M. du Ferrier quits the Seminarie ; his subsequent fortunes. Retirement of his brother, M. de Cambiac. Efforts of the Jansenists to subvert M. Olier's authority in the Seminary. Their attempt to bring the Oratorians into the Faubourg. The Blessed Virgin assures M. Olier of her protection ; he institutes a practice of devotion in perpetual memory thereof. Other favours conferred upon him. Interview with the Due d'Orleans ; the Oratorians interdicted from establishing themselves in the parish of St. Sulpice 471
CHAPTER V.
OBJECT OF THE COMMUNITY OF ST. SULPICE. EPISCOPAL AND PAPAL APPROBATION.
The Community not a Congregation ; created solely for the clergy. Divine intimations thereanent ; in accordance with P. de Condren's instructions.
M. Olier submits the rules and general plan of the Seminary to the collective Episcopate. Summary of his Memorial : the clerical order necessary to the existence of the Church ; the Bishop the true Superior of the Seminary ; the directors their delegates ; auxiliary priests ; the seminarists ; the necessity of mortification and of the interior life. Resolutions of the Bishops. Directors of seminaries dismissible by them. Other seminaries modelled after that of St. Sulpice. M. de Chansiergues, founder of the Seminary of St. Louis ; his austere and laborious life.
M. Ignace de la Dauversi^re establishes a community of priests. M. d'Entrechaux, a model of perfection. Direction of a Seminary a special vocation. The Priests of St. Lazare and of other Communities employed by the Bishops. The seminaries founded by Sulpicians comparatively few. This in accordance with M. Olier's counsels. M. Tronson's declarations on the subject. M. Olier unable to comply with applications from Bishops of other countries. The Seminary approved by the Holy See. Testimony of the French Episcopate to the services rendered by it to the Church 495
CHAPTER VI.
ESTABLISHMENT OF PROVINCIAL SEMINARIES.
Erection of seminaries at Villefranche-en-Rouergue and Rodez; great and permanent results. Liberality of M. de Queylus. Lamentable condition of the diocese of Limoges ; erection of seminary. M. Lascaris d'Urfl, the Bishop ; his humility, charity, and reverence for the priesthood. St Vincent Ferrer bids M. Olier found a seminary at Nantes. Regulations respecting candidates for orders. The course of instruction. The Sulpicians obliged to quit Nantes. M. Rend Ldvdque; the Seminary of Nantes incorporated with his community of St Cldment; his life of mortification and penance. Contentions caused by the Jansenists ; the Sulpicians resume the conduct of the seminary. M. Olier' s labours for the country clergy. Erection of a seminary at Aix ; marvellous cure of M. Philippe. The Archbishop's appeals to M. Olier for assistance ; causes of their failure. The Seminary of Avignon ; M. Olier's deference to episcopal authority. Difficulties attending the foundation of a seminary at Viviers ; the Sulpicians undertake its direction. The beneficial results to both clergy and people. M. Olier visits Our Lady's shrine at Saint-Agrdve. Effect of his address to the clergy and laity of Le Puy. Erec- tion of seminary under M. de La nt ages ; abundant results. Seminary of Clermont ; preparation of candidates for orders. Seminary of St Flour ; deplorable state of the diocese. Results of M. Eym&re's government Seminary of Notre Dame de l'Hermitage under M. Planat. OfBesan£on; its superiors. Of St. Irlnle de Lyon; M. d'Hurtevent its first superior. Of Amiens ; of Clermont-Loddve ; M. Olier withdraws his priests ; his letter to the Bishop. The Due d' Orleans desires to found a community of priests at Blois ; M. Olier's letter to him ; the design frustrated by the Jansenists. Instances of M. Olier's self-abasement St Vincent de Paul's eulogy on the Sulpicians 511
CHAPTER VII
VARIOUS MISSIONARY ENTERPRISES. FOUNDATION OF THE COLONY AND SEMINARY OF MONTREAL.
M. Olier is urged to accept the bishopric of Babylon. Desires to go as Vicar-Apostolic into China. His prevision of the Seminary of Foreign Missions. He organises a mission to the Protestants of the Vivarais and the Cdvennes. Is urged by the Bishop of Le Puy to accept his see ; fervour of the canons and other clergy ; generosity of M. de Bretonvilliers. M. de Queylus made Curl of Privas. Extraordinary results of the mission in that town. M. Jean-Pierre Couderc : his controversial powers. Missions at Jaujac, Viviers, and Thueyts ; their signal success. Association of the Blessed Sacrament established at Le Puy. Mission at Alais. M. Olier contributes to the restoration of ruined churches.
His design of founding a settlement on the Island of Montreal. Meeting with M. de la Dauversilre. Society of Our Lady of Montreal its nature and objects. M. Paul de Chaumedy-Maisonneuve and Mile. Manse. Departure of the colonists. The Island consecrated to the Holy Family. The first Mass. Perils and hardships. Marguerite Bourgeois : her heroic charity. Endeavours to erect an episcopal see temporarily defeated. Foundation of a Community ; M. de Queylus made superior. Martyrdoms of M. Le Maistre and M. Vignal. The Island made over to the Sulpicians; burdensome conditions. Disinterested conduct of the Community ; testimonies to the results of their teachings and labours. Montreal erected into a bishopric. Arrangements with the British Government. Foundation of the Grand Seminaire
CONCLUSION
CHAPTER I.
M. OLIER'S LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH.
His tranquillity under painful disorders. He is summoned to Blois ; obliged to retire to P^ray. His anxiety respecting Charles II. of England. Devotion to the Holy Cross. He is struck with paralysis and conveyed to Paris. His unalterable patience and desire of suffering. He is afflicted with interior darkness and desolation. Visited by the Queen Mqther. His rapid progress in sanctity. Vision of Jesus bearing His Cross. His perfect conformity to the will of God. His malady alleviated by the Blessed Virgin. He visits the church of Notre Dame ; resigns his various offices ; the Bishop of Grenoble desires to have him as his coadjutor. He tries the waters of Bourbon ; visits the Duchesse de Montmorency at Moulins. Is favoured with a vision of the Blessed Virgin. Enabled to say Mass. His last public appearance in the church of St. Sulpice. His absorption in God. Active interest in religious matters. Pilgrimage to Notre Dame du Puy. Unites the church of St. George with the seminary in that city, and takes the title of its Cur^. Authenticates the Saint's relics. The Nuns of the Visitation : M. Olier refuses to allow his priests to hear their confessions or publicly preach to them. Instances of his humility and meekness. Last visit to the tomb of the M&re Agn&s ; translation of her remains. Pilgrimages to Notre Dame des Anges and Ste. Fare. Instance of his considerate kindness. His devotion to the Resurrection of our Lord. Aspirations of divine love. He designates M. de Bretonvilliers as his successor. His last instructions and admonitions. His deathbed. St. Vincent de Paul present at his departure. The Saint's address to the priests of St. Sulpice. He presides at the election of M. Olier's successor.
Exposition of his body ; he is beheld in a dream ; popular testimonies to his sanctity ; print of a cross on his forehead. His obsequies ; funeral sermon of M. Maupas. Eulogium passed on him at the Conference of St. Lazare. Inscription on his tomb. Desecration of his remains at the Revolution
CHAPTER II.
SUPERNATURAL GIFTS AND GRACES.
M. Oiler's personal appearance and intellectual powers. His gift of reading men's hearts. Several examples. Instance of his marvellous discernment in the case of a young lady of rank. Extraordinary influences exercised by him ; case of the Mire de St. Gabriel. His power of relieving mental suffering ; case of Mile, de Roguie. Gift of healing diseases ; cases of the Mire de St Gabriel ; M. de Villars ; and Mile. Manse. Appearance of M. Olier after death to the Soeur Maillet ; his predictions fulfilled. Miraculous cures of a deaf priest; the marine, Pierre Trescartes ; the Soeur Marguerite Vieillard ; the Canons Boucaut, Colomb, and De Blget ; the Soeur Anne Feulha ; M. Niron ; Mme. Rousset ; and Mme. de l'Espinasse du Passage. Recent miraculous cure of the Soeur Dufresne ; affidavits of medical men. Protestation of the writer 583
ADDITIONAL NOTES. 599
INDEX. 607
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