The Life Of M. Olier
Subtitle: Founder of the Seminary of St. Sulpice
Publisher: Burns and Lambert
Published: 1861
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Table of contents: title: CONTENTS.; title: CHAPTER I.; title: EARLY YEARS OF M. OLIER  —  HIS CONVERSION.; title: His birth and baptism at Paris. First indications of his vocation and mission. His devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Natural liveliness of his disposition. His family removes to Lyons. An adventurous feat. He receives the tonsure, and a benefice. S. Francis de Sales foretells his future services to the Church ; blesses him on his death-bed. He receives peculiar favours from God. Desires to embrace the religious state. Returns with his family to Paris, and enters the University. Attends the schools of the Sorbonne. Becomes abbe of Pebrac ; a fashionable preacher ; and a man of the world. Marie de Gournay ; effects of her prayers. M. Olier goes to Rome to study Hebrew ; his sight affected. He makes a pilgrimage to Loreto, and becomes a changed man. —   Page 1.; title: CHAPTER II.; title: COMMENCEMENT OF HIS APOSTOLIC LIFE  —  HIS VOCATION, AND ELEVATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD.; title: Death of his father ; he is summoned home. His mother's character and conduct. His extraordinary devotion in instructing the poor of Paris, and young scholars. Consequent anger and scorn of his relatives and acquaintances. Influence of his example. Assists his cousin, Mile, de Bussy, to become a Carmelite nun. Kisses the feet and the sores of the poor. Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Chartres. His corporal austerities. The Mother Desgranges. The Mother Agnes of Langeac is supernaturally bidden to pray for him. His pilgrimages in order to ascertain his vocation. Sermon at S. Paul's. His vocation shown to him in a dream. Is admitted to holy orders, and takes S. Vincent de Paul as his director. Employed by the saint in giving country missions ; his unceasing exertions affect his health. Prepares to receive the priesthood ; his first Mass. He vows a perpetual servitude to Mary ; his piety towards her. The Conferences of S. Lazarus. —   Page 15.; title: CHAPTER III.; title: APPARITION OF MOTHER AGNES DE LANGEAC  —  MISSION INTO AUVERGNE —  ATTEMPTED REFORM OF THE ABBEY OF PEBRAC  — DEATH OF MOTHER AGNES.; title: M. Olier prepares to evangelize the parishes dependent on his abbey of Pebrac ; his associates. Retreat at S. Lazarus ; apparition of a Dominican nun. Mission into Auvergne ; his charity and humility. Visit to the convent at Langeac ; recognition of Mother Agnes. He sets about reforming his abbey ; his plans defeated. Mother Agnes takes him as her spiritual guide ; her last farewell and death. Letter of M. Olier to her religious. His practice of holy poverty. He is offered a bishopric. —   Page 31.; title: CHAPTER IV.; title: FATHER DE CONDREN  —  M. OLIER TAKES HIM AS HIS DIRECTOR.; title: Extraordinary gifts of this holy man. His disciples ; MM. de Foix, du Ferrier, Brandon, de Bassancourt, and Amelote. S. Vincent de Paul urges M. Olier to accept the bishopric. M. Olier is moved to take F. de Condren for his director ; follows his counsels. His devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and to the Mother of God. Declines taking his doctor's degree. Is directed to engage in country missions. Makes a preparatory retreat ; F. de Condren's spiritual maxims, and prayer ; subsequently adopted by M. Olier for the Seminary of S. Sulpice. Dangerous passage of the Seine.  — Page 44.; title: CHAPTER V.; title: SECOND MISSION INTO AUVERGNE.; title: Preparations for the mission ; indignation of M. Olier's family. His powerful preaching ; personal humility ; and charity to the poor. His manner of instructing little children. His assiduity in prayer, and transports of Divine love. M. Meyster ; his extraordinary conversion ; F. de Condren's opinion of him. Success of the missions. Attempt on M. Olier's life. Co-operation of the country clergy. Conferences established at Puy. Retreat given at Pebrac. Instances of his disinterestedness and poverty of spirit. Marie de Valence. Illness of M. Olier, and remarkable recovery. Visit from his mother ; death of his sister. He receives the gift of a higher order of prayer, and of a more perfect dependence on the Spirit of Christ. Return to Paris ; various missions in and about the capital. —   Page 65.; title: CHAPTER VI.; title: THE NUNS OF LA REGRIPPIERRE  —  FATHER BERNARD —  H. DE QUERIOLET —  M. BOURDOISE  —  MISSIONS OF BRITTANY, PICARDY, ETC.; title: M. Olier visits his priory of Clisson. Goes thence to the convent of La Regrippierre; his conduct there. Conversion of the Sister de Vauldray, and of other nuns. Visit to Nantes ; the Mother de Bressand ; Sister Marie Boufard. Fransoise Madeleine de la Roussifere ; miraculous favour vouchsafed to her. Reform of La Regrippiere continued ; visit to the Abbey of Fontevrault. M. Olier resumes his studies. Father Bernard, "the poor priest." M. de Queriolet ; account of his life and conversion. M. Adrien Bourdoise ; his character and demeanour ; sends M. Olier on a mission near Chartres. Mission at Illiers ; conversion of the Bellier family. Fransoise Fouquet ; her great sanctity. M. Olier is nominated coadjutor to Bishop of Chalons ; declines the proffered dignity. The associates choose M. Amelote for their superior. Mission at Amiens ; conversion of a Swedish colonel, and of his men. Accusations brought against the missionaries. M. Bourdoise instructs them in the ceremonies of the Church. —   Page 71.; title: CHAPTER VII.; title: TRIALS OF M. OLIER, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR  —  DEATH OF F. DE CONDREN —  SEMINARY OF CHARTRES  —  REFORM OF LA REGRIPPIERE COMPLETED.; title: M. Olier's 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 treated with contempt and distrusted ; interdicted from preaching and hearing confessions. F. de Condren's last conversation with him, and with M. du Ferrier. His death, and appearance to M. Olier. The French Oratory. M. Olier is delivered from his trials ; chooses M. Picote for his director. He and his associates take up their residence at Chartres ; but without result. Conversion of the Sister de la Troche. The. association at Chartres is dissolved. —   Page 95.; title: CHAPTER VIII.; title: SEMINARY OF VAUGIRARD  —  M. OLIER'S STATE OF UNION WITH GOD.; title: Madame de Villeneuve advises an establishment at Vaugirard. M. Olier retires to Notre Dame des Vertus, where he receives intimations of the Divine will. Withdrawal of all his associates excepting M. de Foix and M. du Ferrier. They engage a house at Vaugirard ; their manner of life. Fathers Tarrisse and Bataille. M. Olier takes the latter for his director. His, extraordinary state of union with God ; his interior light and joy, and supernatural gifts. He makes a vow of servitude to Jesus. The three solitaries solemnly consecrate themselves at Montmartre. Letter of M. Bourdoise, and the reply ; he visits Vaugirard. Extraordinary influence exercised by Marie de Gournay. M. Olier's gift of science and eloquence. Providential aids. Cardinal de Richelieu's proposal. MM. de Gondrin, de Queylus, de Pousse, Hurtevent, and de Cambiac, with others, join the community. M. de Bassancourt visits Vaugirard, and remains. M. Amelote applies, and is refused ; his true vocation. M. de Sainte-Marie. Supernatural lights of M. Olier ; exemplified in his preaching. M. Copin requests the associates to take charge of his parish during his absence. Donation of M. de Rochefort. M. Olier's insight into Holy Scripture. He is chosen superior of the community. —   Page 111.; title: CHAPTER IX.; title: THE SPIRIT OF THE SEMINARY OF VAUGIRARD  —  REMOVAL TO S. SULPICE.; title: Objections entertained against M. Olier's undertaking, arising from the fact of past failures. No ecclesiastical seminary had as yet been permanently established in France ; M. Olier the first to succeed. His instructions to his ecclesiastics. The one object of his teaching, union with Jesus Christ in His acts and intentions. Brother Claude ; his exalted sanctity, and extraordinary gifts ; his first meeting with M. Olier. Parish of S. Sulpice ; M. de Fiesque offers the cure to M. Olier. Advice of F. Tarrisse ; aid rendered by Marie de Gournay. The three great objects of M. Olier's vocation. Anger of his family ; his charitable judgment of their conduct. Retreat under F. Bataille. His installation at S. Sulpice. Establishment of the Seminary and Community. The general respect and confidence with which the servant of God is regarded. Summary of his meditations during his retreat. —   Page 135.; title: CHAPTER X.; title: FRIGHTFUL STATE OF THE PARISH OF S. SULPICE —  M. OLIER ESTABLISHES A COMMUNITY OF PAROCHIAL CLERGY.; title: M. Olier's twofold task. The faubourg S. Germain ; condition of the inhabitants, moral and religious. State of the clergy ; M. Olier would have them adopt a community life; his address to them, and conduct towards them. Formation of a community of parish priests; their regulations and duties. M. Olier's maxims for confessors. His vow of perfection, and personal example. His rules are adopted by other parishes of Paris. He is consulted by several bishops on the subject of diocesan seminaries. —   Page 160.; title: CHAPTER XI.; title: M. OLIER'S REFORMS AT S. SULPICE  —  HIS COADJUTORS.; title: He institutes catechetical instructions for children ; his manner of teaching them. Instructions for servants, beggars, and aged poor ; the general catechism ; discourses for work-people ; conferences for heretics. Sacrilegious practice of the Lutherans. Father Veron ; his method of controversy. Clement the cutler, and Beaumais the draper. Conduct of the Calvinists ; M. Olier's efforts for their conversion. He sets up a bookstall. His zeal for the beauty and order of God's house ; reforms in the parish church ; observance of the Canonical Hours. His love of souls ; his fervour in preaching. Conversion of a merry-andrew. Reform of the guilds. Great increase of penitents. The church crowded. Extract from M. Olier's Considerations on the Canonical Hours. —   Page 174.; title: CHAPTER XII.; title: M. OLIER'S REFORMS, CONTINUED.; title: He institutes the confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament ; establishes the Perpetual Adoration. His rebuke to the Princesse de Conde. Exposition and solemn Benediction. Infrequent communion and indevotion to Mary among the effects of Jansenistic teaching; M. Olier's counter-teaching and practice. Anne Auger, Granry. M. Olier's love of the poor. Brother John of the Cross. Re-organization of the Confraternity of Charity. Mme. Lechassier and her daughter. Mme. Legras. Confessors not allowed to give alms to their penitents. His zeal against sin, and charity to sinners. His perseverance in prayer for his flock. Awful death of an abandoned woman. His courage in protecting the innocent. Mme. Pollalion. M. Olier's labours for the suppression of vice. Conversion of actors. M. Critenet. Father Yvan. M. Olier's liberality towards the clergy, and zeal in undertaking their defence. Case of the Cure of Arcueil. —   Page 195.; title: CHAPTER XIII.; title: ATTEMPT TO EXPEL M. OLIER FROM S. SULPICE —  ERECTION OF THE SEMINARY INTO A COMMUNITY.; title: He encounters opposition in various quarters ; expectation of persecution. He purchases a site for a new seminary. Renews his solemn engagement at Montmartre. A conspiracy is formed to expel him from the parish. M. de Fiesque is induced to publish a formal charge against him ; case of the Abbey of Clisson. The presbytery is attacked by a furious mob, and M. Olier is seized and dragged out. Generous conduct of S. Vincent de Paul. The servant of God is conveyed to the Luxembourg ; his extraordinary humility and charity. His petition to the Council of State; it is referred to the Parliament of Paris. Exertions of friends in his behalf; his simple piety. The Parliament orders his re-instatement. Renewed violence on the part of his enemies ; his faith and courage. A strange procession ; decree of the Parliament against its authors. M. Olier's charity towards his enemies. He is advised by his friends to quit the parish, and is offered the bishopric of Rodez ; his admirable replies. He refers the matter to the Abbe of S. Germain, who withdraws his opposition. The dispute with M. de Fiesque is definitively concluded ; generosity of M. Olier and his friends. He exchanges the Abbey of Pebrac for that of Cercanceau. His filial piety. The Seminary of S. Sulpice is erected into a community. —   Page 214.; title: CHAPTER XIV.; title: M. OLIER'S INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD.; title: He commences building a new parish church, and erects a chapel of ease. Many conversions effected by his conversation ; his influence with persons living in the world. The Association of the Passion ; composed principally of military men ; the Baron de Renty ; the Marquis de la Motte Fenelon ; Abraham de Fabert ; M. du Four. A singular adventure. Death-bed of M. de la Roque Saint-Chamarant. Influence of the association in discouraging dueling ; public protestation of its members. Edict of Louis XIV. The Marquis de Fenelon and his son. M. Olier's instructions to the Prince8se de Conde on the right use of worldly grandeur. His rebukes to fine ladies. Mme. de Rantzau. Anecdote of the Duchesse d'Aiguillon. Mile, de Portes. The Sisters of Christian Instruction. Death of Marie de Gournay. Revival of pilgrimages ; increase of devotion and respect for the clergy. —   Page 234.; title: CHAPTER XV.; title: PILGRIMAGES AND JOURNEYS.; title: Failing health of M. Olier ; his reluctance to take repose. He visits Clairvaux, Dijon, and Citeaux. At Beaune he makes acquaintance with Venerable Margaret of the Blessed Sacrament ; their spiritual relations. 'His journey to S. Claude ; danger on the way; he venerates the body of the saint. Visits the tomb of S. Francis de Sales at Annecy, and receives a divine intimation. Passes by Geneva ; makes the acquaintance of Mme. d'Herculais at Grenoble. The Grande Chartreuse. S. Antoine de Vienne. The Mother Francoise de Mazelli. The Holy Places of Provence. The Mother Madeleine de la Trinite. The Mother de S. Michel. M. Olier's recollection and devotion. His liberality to the poor. Instances of his admirable humility. His visit to the tomb of S. Vincent Ferrer, and to S. Anne d'Auray. Farewell to the nuns of La Regrippiere. His devotion to S. Martin of Tours. His influence with the provincial clergy. Sacrilegious robbery at S. Sulpice; public act of reparation. Discovery of the culprit. —   Page 256.; title: CHAPTER XVI.; title: THE TROUBLES OF THE FRONDE.; title: Outbreak of the sedition. Penitential observances enjoined by M. Olier. His measures for the relief of the destitute. His perilous expedition to S. Germain-en-Laye. He resigns his two priories of Clisson and Bazainville. Relaxation of morals consequent on the siege ; mission given by F. Eudes. Dearth of provisions ; sufferings of the people. M. Olier organizes a system of relief. The Company of Charity. Orphanages. The Council of Charity. Numerous charitable institutions. Conduct of the Princesse de Conde ; her death. Louis XIV. at the church of S. Sulpice. M. Olier's advice to the Queen-mother. Renewal of the civil war. M. Olier opens an asylum for country girls and destitute nuns. Establishment of the Filles du Saint Sacrement in fulfilment of the Queen-mother's vow. The nuns of Notre Dame de Misdricorde, Mme. de Saujeon and the Duke of Orleans. —   Page 277.; title: CHAPTER XVII.; title: THE SEMINARY OF S. SULPICE  —  ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND INTERIOR SPIRIT.; title: The Blessed Virgin shows M. Olier, in a vision, the model of the Seminary. The work commenced ; description of the building. Devotion to the Interior Life of Jesus, the leading idea of the Seminary. Devotion to the interior life of Mary. Mary the channel of all graces. S. John the Evangelist, one of the patrons of S. Sulpice. Masses for the intentions of the Blessed Virgin. Other patrons : S. Joseph, S. Dominic, S. Francis of Assisi, S. Francis of Paula, S. Martin, S. Denis, S. Ambrose, and S. Gregory. The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, the principal feast of the Seminary. The President Mole becomes its civil patron. The letters-patent of the crown registered by the Parliament of Paris. —   Page 296.; title: CHAPTER XVIII.; title: M. OLIER'S METHOD OF SPIRITUAL TRAINING.; title: His exalted idea of the ecclesiastical state. The virtues necessary for clerics ; simplicity and modesty ; self-humiliation ; mortification of the senses. Perfection of his own practice. Interior mortification ; obedience and fidelity to rule. Prayer. Study of the Gospels, and of the Scriptures generally. M. Olier's reverence for the Bible. Observance of the ceremonial of the Church, and of its interior spirit. Training in parochial duties. Fervour and regularity of the Seminarists. Necessity of theological proficiency; true motives and dispositions for study. Rules of conduct in Public disputations. M. Blanlo. Method of prayer approved by M. Olier. —  Page 309.; title: CHAPTER XIX.; title: M. OLIER AND JANSENISM.; title: Austerity a supposed sign of adhesion to the heresy. M. Olier suspected of favouring it ; his public protest. Dishonesty of the party ; M. Olier's letter to a parishioner. His vigilance and zeal ; he is accused of false doctrine. M. du Hamel ; his system of public penance. Infrequency of communion. M. Olier's discourse against Jansenism. Fury of the party ; F. Des Mares publishes his "Christian and Charitable Remonstrance." The Hotel de Liancourt. Conference with Des Mares and others at S. Sulpice. Affair of the Duke de Liancourt ; M. Arnauld condemned by the Sorbonne. Practical effects of Jansenistic teaching. M. Olier defeats a notable scheme of the party. His precautions to guard the Seminary against its influences.  —  Page 330.; title: CHAPTER XX.; title: THE COMMUNITY OF S. SULPICE —  ITS CONSTITUTION AND INTERIOR SPIRIT.; title: Jansenism unable to gain a footing in S. Sulpice. M. de Foix made Bishop of Pamiers ; his after history. Removal of M. du Ferrier; his end. Efforts of the Jansenists to subvert M. Olier's influence. Attempt to introduce the Oratorians into the parish. Revelation made to the servant of God by the Blessed Virgin. His reliance on Divine Providence in the choice of subjects for the Community. Vocations of M. Souart, M. de Breton villiers, and M. Trooson. The novitiate or "interior seminary." Protestation to be made by each member of the community. The spirit of servitude. Practical rules ; schedule of self-examination. M. Olier's instructions respecting the use of worldly goods and the care of health. The noviciate removed from Vaugirard to Avron, and afterwards to Issy.  —  Page 348.; title: CHAPTER XXI.; title: ESTABLISHMENT OF PROVINCIAL SEMINARIES.; title: The community of S. Sulpice a local institution, not a congregation. M. Olier establishes seminaries in the dioceses of Bordeaux, Pamierg, and Rodez. State of the diocese of Limoges. Circumstances attending the foundation of a seminary at Nantes ; M. Rend Leveque. M. Olier's personal influence with the country clergy ; effect of his addresses in Provence ; seminary of Aix. He submits the rules and general plan of S. Sulpice to the collective episcopate. Summary of his memorial. His deference to episcopal authority, exemplified in his conduct respecting a seminary at Avignon. Foundation of a seminary at Viviers ; its beneficial results. Effects of M. Olier's eloquence at Puy ; M. de Maupas and M. de Lantages. Seminaries of Clermont and S. Flour ; deplorable condition of latter diocese. M. Olier withdraws his priests from Clermont-Lodbve ; his letter to M. du Bosquet on the occasion. The Seminary of S. Sulpice confirmed by the Holy See. Testimony borne by the Bishops of France in favour of the servant of God and of S. Sulpice in 1730. —   Page 369.; title: CHAPTER XXII.; title: VARIOUS MISSIONARY ENTERPRISES.; title: M. Olier's desire to go as a missionary into the East. Revelation made to him respecting the Seminary of Foreign Missions. He organizes a mission to the Protestants of the Vivarais and the Cevennes. M. de Queylus made Curd of Privas. Success of the mission in that town ; and in Jaujac, Viviers, Thueyts, &c. M. Oner's zeal for the recovery of England to the faith ; he holds conferences with Charles II., and receives his abjuration. Sorrow manifested by Charles on hearing of his death ; papers found in the king's cabinet. The Marquis of Worcester and the Earl of Bristol. Meeting of M. Olier and M. de la Dauversidre. Formation of the Society of Our Lady of Montreal. Foundation of the Seminary of Ville Marie. Arrangement with the English government. —   Page 387.; title: CHAPTER XXIII.; title: M. OLIER'S LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH.; title: He is seized with a violent fever, and resigns his parish. His recovery. M. de Bretonvilliers is appointed his successor. M. Offer's spirit of self-accusation. His tranquillity under painful disorders. Retires to Peray. His devotion to the Holy Cross. He is struck with paralysis, and conveyed to Paris. His unalterable patience, and desire of suffering. Interior darkness and desolation ; his spirit of self-sacrifice. The Bishop of Grenoble desires to resign his see in M. Olier's favour. His health improves ; he tries the waters of Bourbon. Makes a vow to the Blessed Virgin, and has the happiness of again saying Mass. Visits our Lady of Puy. Unites the cure of S. George with the seminary in that town, and authenticates the saint's relics. Instances of his humility. Visits the tomb of the Venerable Mother Agnes. Performs two pilgrimages ; and retires into S. Sulpice. Vision of Jesus bearing His cross. His devotion to the mystery of the Resurrection ; his aspirations of Divine love. His last instructions. His death-bed. S. Vincent de Paul receives his last sigh. Exposition of his body ; print of a cross on his forehead. He is buried in the chapel of the Seminary. Desecration of his remains at the Revolution. —  Page 402.; title: CHAPTER XXIV.; title: SUPERNATURAL GIFTS AND GRACES.; title: M. Olier's personal appearance, and intellectual powers. His gift of reading the secrets of men's hearts. Extraordinary influences exercised by him. His power of relieving mental suffering ; and healing bodily diseases. Miraculous cure of Mile. Manse. Appearance of the man of God to a hospital-nun of Montreal. Miraculous cures of a deaf priest ; Pierre Trescartes ; Marguerite Vieillard ; M. Boucaut ; M. Colomb ; M. de Baget ; Anne Feulha ; Francois Neron ; and Francoise de l'Espinasse du Passage. Declaration of the writer. —  Page 423.; title: APPENDIX; title: Page 439; title: <div>Digitized by Google.</div>CONTENTS.; title: CHAPTER I.; title: EARLY YEARS OF M. OLIER  —  HIS CONVERSION.; title: His birth and baptism at Paris. First indications of his vocation and mission. His devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Natural liveliness of his disposition. His family removes to Lyons. An adventurous feat. He receives the tonsure, and a benefice. S. Francis de Sales foretells his future services to the Church ; blesses him on his death-bed. He receives peculiar favours from God. Desires to embrace the religious state. Returns with his family to Paris, and enters the University. Attends the schools of the Sorbonne. Becomes abbe of Pebrac ; a fashionable preacher ; and a man of the world. Marie de Gournay ; effects of her prayers. M. Olier goes to Rome to study Hebrew ; his sight affected. He makes a pilgrimage to Loreto, and becomes a changed man. —   Page 1.; title: CHAPTER II.; title: COMMENCEMENT OF HIS APOSTOLIC LIFE  —  HIS VOCATION, AND ELEVATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD.; title: Death of his father ; he is summoned home. His mother's character and conduct. His extraordinary devotion in instructing the poor of Paris, and young scholars. Consequent anger and scorn of his relatives and acquaintances. Influence of his example. Assists his cousin, Mile, de Bussy, to become a Carmelite nun. Kisses the feet and the sores of the poor. Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Chartres. His corporal austerities. The Mother Desgranges. The Mother Agnes of Langeac is supernaturally bidden to pray for him. His pilgrimages in order to ascertain his vocation. Sermon at S. Paul's. His vocation shown to him in a dream. Is admitted to holy orders, and takes S. Vincent de Paul as his director. Employed by the saint in giving country missions ; his unceasing exertions affect his health. Prepares to receive the priesthood ; his first Mass. He vows a perpetual servitude to Mary ; his piety towards her. The Conferences of S. Lazarus. —   Page 15.; title: CHAPTER III.; title: APPARITION OF MOTHER AGNES DE LANGEAC  —  MISSION INTO AUVERGNE —  ATTEMPTED REFORM OF THE ABBEY OF PEBRAC  — DEATH OF MOTHER AGNES.; title: M. Olier prepares to evangelize the parishes dependent on his abbey of Pebrac ; his associates. Retreat at S. Lazarus ; apparition of a Dominican nun. Mission into Auvergne ; his charity and humility. Visit to the convent at Langeac ; recognition of Mother Agnes. He sets about reforming his abbey ; his plans defeated. Mother Agnes takes him as her spiritual guide ; her last farewell and death. Letter of M. Olier to her religious. His practice of holy poverty. He is offered a bishopric. —   Page 31.; title: CHAPTER IV.; title: FATHER DE CONDREN  —  M. OLIER TAKES HIM AS HIS DIRECTOR.; title: Extraordinary gifts of this holy man. His disciples ; MM. de Foix, du Ferrier, Brandon, de Bassancourt, and Amelote. S. Vincent de Paul urges M. Olier to accept the bishopric. M. Olier is moved to take F. de Condren for his director ; follows his counsels. His devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and to the Mother of God. Declines taking his doctor's degree. Is directed to engage in country missions. Makes a preparatory retreat ; F. de Condren's spiritual maxims, and prayer ; subsequently adopted by M. Olier for the Seminary of S. Sulpice. Dangerous passage of the Seine.  — Page 44.; title: CHAPTER V.; title: SECOND MISSION INTO AUVERGNE.; title: Preparations for the mission ; indignation of M. Olier's family. His powerful preaching ; personal humility ; and charity to the poor. His manner of instructing little children. His assiduity in prayer, and transports of Divine love. M. Meyster ; his extraordinary conversion ; F. de Condren's opinion of him. Success of the missions. Attempt on M. Olier's life. Co-operation of the country clergy. Conferences established at Puy. Retreat given at Pebrac. Instances of his disinterestedness and poverty of spirit. Marie de Valence. Illness of M. Olier, and remarkable recovery. Visit from his mother ; death of his sister. He receives the gift of a higher order of prayer, and of a more perfect dependence on the Spirit of Christ. Return to Paris ; various missions in and about the capital. —   Page 65.; title: CHAPTER VI.; title: THE NUNS OF LA REGRIPPIERRE  —  FATHER BERNARD —  H. DE QUERIOLET —  M. BOURDOISE  —  MISSIONS OF BRITTANY, PICARDY, ETC.; title: M. Olier visits his priory of Clisson. Goes thence to the convent of La Regrippierre; his conduct there. Conversion of the Sister de Vauldray, and of other nuns. Visit to Nantes ; the Mother de Bressand ; Sister Marie Boufard. Fransoise Madeleine de la Roussifere ; miraculous favour vouchsafed to her. Reform of La Regrippiere continued ; visit to the Abbey of Fontevrault. M. Olier resumes his studies. Father Bernard, "the poor priest." M. de Queriolet ; account of his life and conversion. M. Adrien Bourdoise ; his character and demeanour ; sends M. Olier on a mission near Chartres. Mission at Illiers ; conversion of the Bellier family. Fransoise Fouquet ; her great sanctity. M. Olier is nominated coadjutor to Bishop of Chalons ; declines the proffered dignity. The associates choose M. Amelote for their superior. Mission at Amiens ; conversion of a Swedish colonel, and of his men. Accusations brought against the missionaries. M. Bourdoise instructs them in the ceremonies of the Church. —   Page 71.; title: CHAPTER VII.; title: TRIALS OF M. OLIER, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR  —  DEATH OF F. DE CONDREN —  SEMINARY OF CHARTRES  —  REFORM OF LA REGRIPPIERE COMPLETED.; title: M. Olier's 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 treated with contempt and distrusted ; interdicted from preaching and hearing confessions. F. de Condren's last conversation with him, and with M. du Ferrier. His death, and appearance to M. Olier. The French Oratory. M. Olier is delivered from his trials ; chooses M. Picote for his director. He and his associates take up their residence at Chartres ; but without result. Conversion of the Sister de la Troche. The. association at Chartres is dissolved. —   Page 95.; title: CHAPTER VIII.; title: SEMINARY OF VAUGIRARD  —  M. OLIER'S STATE OF UNION WITH GOD.; title: Madame de Villeneuve advises an establishment at Vaugirard. M. Olier retires to Notre Dame des Vertus, where he receives intimations of the Divine will. Withdrawal of all his associates excepting M. de Foix and M. du Ferrier. They engage a house at Vaugirard ; their manner of life. Fathers Tarrisse and Bataille. M. Olier takes the latter for his director. His, extraordinary state of union with God ; his interior light and joy, and supernatural gifts. He makes a vow of servitude to Jesus. The three solitaries solemnly consecrate themselves at Montmartre. Letter of M. Bourdoise, and the reply ; he visits Vaugirard. Extraordinary influence exercised by Marie de Gournay. M. Olier's gift of science and eloquence. Providential aids. Cardinal de Richelieu's proposal. MM. de Gondrin, de Queylus, de Pousse, Hurtevent, and de Cambiac, with others, join the community. M. de Bassancourt visits Vaugirard, and remains. M. Amelote applies, and is refused ; his true vocation. M. de Sainte-Marie. Supernatural lights of M. Olier ; exemplified in his preaching. M. Copin requests the associates to take charge of his parish during his absence. Donation of M. de Rochefort. M. Olier's insight into Holy Scripture. He is chosen superior of the community. —   Page 111.; title: CHAPTER IX.; title: THE SPIRIT OF THE SEMINARY OF VAUGIRARD  —  REMOVAL TO S. SULPICE.; title: Objections entertained against M. Olier's undertaking, arising from the fact of past failures. No ecclesiastical seminary had as yet been permanently established in France ; M. Olier the first to succeed. His instructions to his ecclesiastics. The one object of his teaching, union with Jesus Christ in His acts and intentions. Brother Claude ; his exalted sanctity, and extraordinary gifts ; his first meeting with M. Olier. Parish of S. Sulpice ; M. de Fiesque offers the cure to M. Olier. Advice of F. Tarrisse ; aid rendered by Marie de Gournay. The three great objects of M. Olier's vocation. Anger of his family ; his charitable judgment of their conduct. Retreat under F. Bataille. His installation at S. Sulpice. Establishment of the Seminary and Community. The general respect and confidence with which the servant of God is regarded. Summary of his meditations during his retreat. —   Page 135.; title: CHAPTER X.; title: FRIGHTFUL STATE OF THE PARISH OF S. SULPICE —  M. OLIER ESTABLISHES A COMMUNITY OF PAROCHIAL CLERGY.; title: M. Olier's twofold task. The faubourg S. Germain ; condition of the inhabitants, moral and religious. State of the clergy ; M. Olier would have them adopt a community life; his address to them, and conduct towards them. Formation of a community of parish priests; their regulations and duties. M. Olier's maxims for confessors. His vow of perfection, and personal example. His rules are adopted by other parishes of Paris. He is consulted by several bishops on the subject of diocesan seminaries. —   Page 160.; title: CHAPTER XI.; title: M. OLIER'S REFORMS AT S. SULPICE  —  HIS COADJUTORS.; title: He institutes catechetical instructions for children ; his manner of teaching them. Instructions for servants, beggars, and aged poor ; the general catechism ; discourses for work-people ; conferences for heretics. Sacrilegious practice of the Lutherans. Father Veron ; his method of controversy. Clement the cutler, and Beaumais the draper. Conduct of the Calvinists ; M. Olier's efforts for their conversion. He sets up a bookstall. His zeal for the beauty and order of God's house ; reforms in the parish church ; observance of the Canonical Hours. His love of souls ; his fervour in preaching. Conversion of a merry-andrew. Reform of the guilds. Great increase of penitents. The church crowded. Extract from M. Olier's Considerations on the Canonical Hours. —   Page 174.; title: CHAPTER XII.; title: M. OLIER'S REFORMS, CONTINUED.; title: He institutes the confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament ; establishes the Perpetual Adoration. His rebuke to the Princesse de Conde. Exposition and solemn Benediction. Infrequent communion and indevotion to Mary among the effects of Jansenistic teaching; M. Olier's counter-teaching and practice. Anne Auger, Granry. M. Olier's love of the poor. Brother John of the Cross. Re-organization of the Confraternity of Charity. Mme. Lechassier and her daughter. Mme. Legras. Confessors not allowed to give alms to their penitents. His zeal against sin, and charity to sinners. His perseverance in prayer for his flock. Awful death of an abandoned woman. His courage in protecting the innocent. Mme. Pollalion. M. Olier's labours for the suppression of vice. Conversion of actors. M. Critenet. Father Yvan. M. Olier's liberality towards the clergy, and zeal in undertaking their defence. Case of the Cure of Arcueil. —   Page 195.; title: CHAPTER XIII.; title: ATTEMPT TO EXPEL M. OLIER FROM S. SULPICE —  ERECTION OF THE SEMINARY INTO A COMMUNITY.; title: He encounters opposition in various quarters ; expectation of persecution. He purchases a site for a new seminary. Renews his solemn engagement at Montmartre. A conspiracy is formed to expel him from the parish. M. de Fiesque is induced to publish a formal charge against him ; case of the Abbey of Clisson. The presbytery is attacked by a furious mob, and M. Olier is seized and dragged out. Generous conduct of S. Vincent de Paul. The servant of God is conveyed to the Luxembourg ; his extraordinary humility and charity. His petition to the Council of State; it is referred to the Parliament of Paris. Exertions of friends in his behalf; his simple piety. The Parliament orders his re-instatement. Renewed violence on the part of his enemies ; his faith and courage. A strange procession ; decree of the Parliament against its authors. M. Olier's charity towards his enemies. He is advised by his friends to quit the parish, and is offered the bishopric of Rodez ; his admirable replies. He refers the matter to the Abbe of S. Germain, who withdraws his opposition. The dispute with M. de Fiesque is definitively concluded ; generosity of M. Olier and his friends. He exchanges the Abbey of Pebrac for that of Cercanceau. His filial piety. The Seminary of S. Sulpice is erected into a community. —   Page 214.; title: CHAPTER XIV.; title: M. OLIER'S INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD.; title: He commences building a new parish church, and erects a chapel of ease. Many conversions effected by his conversation ; his influence with persons living in the world. The Association of the Passion ; composed principally of military men ; the Baron de Renty ; the Marquis de la Motte Fenelon ; Abraham de Fabert ; M. du Four. A singular adventure. Death-bed of M. de la Roque Saint-Chamarant. Influence of the association in discouraging dueling ; public protestation of its members. Edict of Louis XIV. The Marquis de Fenelon and his son. M. Olier's instructions to the Prince8se de Conde on the right use of worldly grandeur. His rebukes to fine ladies. Mme. de Rantzau. Anecdote of the Duchesse d'Aiguillon. Mile, de Portes. The Sisters of Christian Instruction. Death of Marie de Gournay. Revival of pilgrimages ; increase of devotion and respect for the clergy. —   Page 234.; title: CHAPTER XV.; title: PILGRIMAGES AND JOURNEYS.; title: Failing health of M. Olier ; his reluctance to take repose. He visits Clairvaux, Dijon, and Citeaux. At Beaune he makes acquaintance with Venerable Margaret of the Blessed Sacrament ; their spiritual relations. 'His journey to S. Claude ; danger on the way; he venerates the body of the saint. Visits the tomb of S. Francis de Sales at Annecy, and receives a divine intimation. Passes by Geneva ; makes the acquaintance of Mme. d'Herculais at Grenoble. The Grande Chartreuse. S. Antoine de Vienne. The Mother Francoise de Mazelli. The Holy Places of Provence. The Mother Madeleine de la Trinite. The Mother de S. Michel. M. Olier's recollection and devotion. His liberality to the poor. Instances of his admirable humility. His visit to the tomb of S. Vincent Ferrer, and to S. Anne d'Auray. Farewell to the nuns of La Regrippiere. His devotion to S. Martin of Tours. His influence with the provincial clergy. Sacrilegious robbery at S. Sulpice; public act of reparation. Discovery of the culprit. —   Page 256.; title: CHAPTER XVI.; title: THE TROUBLES OF THE FRONDE.; title: Outbreak of the sedition. Penitential observances enjoined by M. Olier. His measures for the relief of the destitute. His perilous expedition to S. Germain-en-Laye. He resigns his two priories of Clisson and Bazainville. Relaxation of morals consequent on the siege ; mission given by F. Eudes. Dearth of provisions ; sufferings of the people. M. Olier organizes a system of relief. The Company of Charity. Orphanages. The Council of Charity. Numerous charitable institutions. Conduct of the Princesse de Conde ; her death. Louis XIV. at the church of S. Sulpice. M. Olier's advice to the Queen-mother. Renewal of the civil war. M. Olier opens an asylum for country girls and destitute nuns. Establishment of the Filles du Saint Sacrement in fulfilment of the Queen-mother's vow. The nuns of Notre Dame de Misdricorde, Mme. de Saujeon and the Duke of Orleans. —   Page 277.; title: CHAPTER XVII.; title: THE SEMINARY OF S. SULPICE  —  ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND INTERIOR SPIRIT.; title: The Blessed Virgin shows M. Olier, in a vision, the model of the Seminary. The work commenced ; description of the building. Devotion to the Interior Life of Jesus, the leading idea of the Seminary. Devotion to the interior life of Mary. Mary the channel of all graces. S. John the Evangelist, one of the patrons of S. Sulpice. Masses for the intentions of the Blessed Virgin. Other patrons : S. Joseph, S. Dominic, S. Francis of Assisi, S. Francis of Paula, S. Martin, S. Denis, S. Ambrose, and S. Gregory. The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, the principal feast of the Seminary. The President Mole becomes its civil patron. The letters-patent of the crown registered by the Parliament of Paris. —   Page 296.; title: CHAPTER XVIII.; title: M. OLIER'S METHOD OF SPIRITUAL TRAINING.; title: His exalted idea of the ecclesiastical state. The virtues necessary for clerics ; simplicity and modesty ; self-humiliation ; mortification of the senses. Perfection of his own practice. Interior mortification ; obedience and fidelity to rule. Prayer. Study of the Gospels, and of the Scriptures generally. M. Olier's reverence for the Bible. Observance of the ceremonial of the Church, and of its interior spirit. Training in parochial duties. Fervour and regularity of the Seminarists. Necessity of theological proficiency; true motives and dispositions for study. Rules of conduct in Public disputations. M. Blanlo. Method of prayer approved by M. Olier. —  Page 309.; title: CHAPTER XIX.; title: M. OLIER AND JANSENISM.; title: Austerity a supposed sign of adhesion to the heresy. M. Olier suspected of favouring it ; his public protest. Dishonesty of the party ; M. Olier's letter to a parishioner. His vigilance and zeal ; he is accused of false doctrine. M. du Hamel ; his system of public penance. Infrequency of communion. M. Olier's discourse against Jansenism. Fury of the party ; F. Des Mares publishes his "Christian and Charitable Remonstrance." The Hotel de Liancourt. Conference with Des Mares and others at S. Sulpice. Affair of the Duke de Liancourt ; M. Arnauld condemned by the Sorbonne. Practical effects of Jansenistic teaching. M. Olier defeats a notable scheme of the party. His precautions to guard the Seminary against its influences.  —  Page 330.; title: CHAPTER XX.; title: THE COMMUNITY OF S. SULPICE —  ITS CONSTITUTION AND INTERIOR SPIRIT.; title: Jansenism unable to gain a footing in S. Sulpice. M. de Foix made Bishop of Pamiers ; his after history. Removal of M. du Ferrier; his end. Efforts of the Jansenists to subvert M. Olier's influence. Attempt to introduce the Oratorians into the parish. Revelation made to the servant of God by the Blessed Virgin. His reliance on Divine Providence in the choice of subjects for the Community. Vocations of M. Souart, M. de Breton villiers, and M. Trooson. The novitiate or "interior seminary." Protestation to be made by each member of the community. The spirit of servitude. Practical rules ; schedule of self-examination. M. Olier's instructions respecting the use of worldly goods and the care of health. The noviciate removed from Vaugirard to Avron, and afterwards to Issy.  —  Page 348.; title: CHAPTER XXI.; title: ESTABLISHMENT OF PROVINCIAL SEMINARIES.; title: The community of S. Sulpice a local institution, not a congregation. M. Olier establishes seminaries in the dioceses of Bordeaux, Pamierg, and Rodez. State of the diocese of Limoges. Circumstances attending the foundation of a seminary at Nantes ; M. Rend Leveque. M. Olier's personal influence with the country clergy ; effect of his addresses in Provence ; seminary of Aix. He submits the rules and general plan of S. Sulpice to the collective episcopate. Summary of his memorial. His deference to episcopal authority, exemplified in his conduct respecting a seminary at Avignon. Foundation of a seminary at Viviers ; its beneficial results. Effects of M. Olier's eloquence at Puy ; M. de Maupas and M. de Lantages. Seminaries of Clermont and S. Flour ; deplorable condition of latter diocese. M. Olier withdraws his priests from Clermont-Lodbve ; his letter to M. du Bosquet on the occasion. The Seminary of S. Sulpice confirmed by the Holy See. Testimony borne by the Bishops of France in favour of the servant of God and of S. Sulpice in 1730. —   Page 369.; title: CHAPTER XXII.; title: VARIOUS MISSIONARY ENTERPRISES.; title: M. Olier's desire to go as a missionary into the East. Revelation made to him respecting the Seminary of Foreign Missions. He organizes a mission to the Protestants of the Vivarais and the Cevennes. M. de Queylus made Curd of Privas. Success of the mission in that town ; and in Jaujac, Viviers, Thueyts, &c. M. Oner's zeal for the recovery of England to the faith ; he holds conferences with Charles II., and receives his abjuration. Sorrow manifested by Charles on hearing of his death ; papers found in the king's cabinet. The Marquis of Worcester and the Earl of Bristol. Meeting of M. Olier and M. de la Dauversidre. Formation of the Society of Our Lady of Montreal. Foundation of the Seminary of Ville Marie. Arrangement with the English government. —   Page 387.; title: CHAPTER XXIII.; title: M. OLIER'S LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH.; title: He is seized with a violent fever, and resigns his parish. His recovery. M. de Bretonvilliers is appointed his successor. M. Offer's spirit of self-accusation. His tranquillity under painful disorders. Retires to Peray. His devotion to the Holy Cross. He is struck with paralysis, and conveyed to Paris. His unalterable patience, and desire of suffering. Interior darkness and desolation ; his spirit of self-sacrifice. The Bishop of Grenoble desires to resign his see in M. Olier's favour. His health improves ; he tries the waters of Bourbon. Makes a vow to the Blessed Virgin, and has the happiness of again saying Mass. Visits our Lady of Puy. Unites the cure of S. George with the seminary in that town, and authenticates the saint's relics. Instances of his humility. Visits the tomb of the Venerable Mother Agnes. Performs two pilgrimages ; and retires into S. Sulpice. Vision of Jesus bearing His cross. His devotion to the mystery of the Resurrection ; his aspirations of Divine love. His last instructions. His death-bed. S. Vincent de Paul receives his last sigh. Exposition of his body ; print of a cross on his forehead. He is buried in the chapel of the Seminary. Desecration of his remains at the Revolution. —  Page 402.; title: CHAPTER XXIV.; title: SUPERNATURAL GIFTS AND GRACES.; title: M. Olier's personal appearance, and intellectual powers. His gift of reading the secrets of men's hearts. Extraordinary influences exercised by him. His power of relieving mental suffering ; and healing bodily diseases. Miraculous cure of Mile. Manse. Appearance of the man of God to a hospital-nun of Montreal. Miraculous cures of a deaf priest ; Pierre Trescartes ; Marguerite Vieillard ; M. Boucaut ; M. Colomb ; M. de Baget ; Anne Feulha ; Francois Neron ; and Francoise de l'Espinasse du Passage. Declaration of the writer. —  Page 423.; title: APPENDIX; title: Page 439