19. The Minor Seminary in Belley

As was mentioned in episode 16, Bishop Devie arranged for the Marist missioners to be housed in the diocesan minor seminary. But there were no rooms available for them. They were simply given a part of a corridor in which to set up some sort of cubicles in which to live when not out on mission. There was no fireplace there, so it was terribly cold in winter. Jean-Claude Colin’s cubicle was near the door to the chapel, and he was awakened when people entered or exited the chapel, depriving him of much-needed sleep.

The Marists were not held in high esteem by the rest of the diocesan clergy. In fact the latter apparently didn’t like Religious such as the Jesuits, who had been suppressed for 40 years before being reinstated in 1814, but had not returned to the diocese of Belley. The Marists were the first priests in the diocese at this time who wished to become Religious, so the diocesan clergy ridiculed the Marist group, saying, “It is the second volume of the Jesuits, bound in asses’ hide”! The diocesan priests who staffed the minor seminary were among those who made fun of the Marists, and their students followed their example!

These shabby conditions did not bother the Marists. They were happy to bear it all for the sake of Christ and the mission. But Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, who was by temperament more practical-minded, was aware of the unhealthy conditions in which her friend Fr. Colin and the others were living, and complained to Bishop Devie. She begged him to place Father Felix Pichat in charge of the minor seminary. Fr. Pichat was a priest with experience in school administration. He was also known to favor the Marists; in fact he himself desired to be a Marist. But the bishop pointed out to Jeanne-Marie that Fr. Pichat was not well. She replied that the Marist Sisters would pray for his health. When Fr. Pichat’s health did improve, he was appointed Rector of the minor seminary. Needless to say, the situation of the Marists greatly improved. Pichat gradually replaced the staff of the seminary with priests and major seminarians who were either interested in becoming Marists or at least were sympathetic to the Marists.

Sadly, after about three years as Rector, Fr. Pichat died suddenly on the feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 1829. By this time, Bishop Devie had become impressed with Fr. Jean-Claude Colin’s ability as missioner. In fact he had a few years earlier put him in charge of the Marist missioners. So now he decided that Colin would make the best replacement for the late Fr. Pichat as Rector of the seminary. Colin, who hated the idea of being in charge of anything, begged the bishop not to place this burden on him, but the bishop was adamant.

What was Colin to do? He had never even taught in a school. His only teaching experience was catechizing little children during the parish missions. How was he going to transition to the academic world and become a school administrator?

To be continued...

Prayer for Vocations to the Society of Mary (Marists)

Lord Jesus You gave the Church St as an example to Marists and the people of of gentleness, compassion and love in action. Welcome many young men and women into the Marist Family, to work as Priests, Brothers and Sisters. Help us too, to share our charism with lay Bishop Alexander Devie asked Fr. Colin to move to people throughout the world the town of Belley, taking up residence at the minor and to work in partnership seminary high school of the diocese. From here Fr. with them in Mission for the Colin led the pioneer Marists on their first missions good of your Church and our in the mountains of the Bugey. Later he would be world. This prayer we make to asked to assume leadership of the college. the Father in your name and through the Holy Spirit. Amen

Mary Mother of the Church and our mother, choose more young people to follow Jesus your Son in religious life and priesthood and to bear your name as members of your Society. (Please pray this prayer often.)