Saint André-Hubert Fournet: Priest, Founder & Faithful Servant of God

ST. ANDRÉ-HUBERT FOURNET

Saint André-Hubert Fournet (1752–1834) was a French priest and co-founder of the Daughters of the Cross. Initially reluctant to enter religious life, he later embraced his calling, serving faithfully even during the French Revolution. He was canonized in 1933, and his feast is celebrated on May 13.

André-Hubert Fournet was born on December 6, 1752, in Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France, into a devout family. Though raised with strong Catholic values, he was initially dismissive of the idea of priesthood and lived a somewhat carefree youth. Influenced by his uncle, who was a priest in the nearby town of Haims, André eventually underwent a spiritual transformation and decided to enter the seminary. He was ordained as a priest in 1776.

During the turbulent years of the French Revolution, Fournet stood firm in his faith. When the revolutionary government mandated that clergy swear allegiance to the state through the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, he refused to comply, remaining loyal to the Church. This resistance led to his arrest in 1792. Though he was imprisoned, he managed to escape and fled to Spain to avoid persecution. He remained in exile until 1797, at which point he returned to France under safer conditions.

In 1798, Fournet met Jeanne-Élisabeth Bichier des Âges, a devout woman who shared his vision for serving the poor and providing education to children. Their spiritual collaboration led to the founding of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross (also known as the Sisters of Saint Andrew) in 1807. The community was devoted to the care of the sick and the education of youth, especially in rural and impoverished regions.

André-Hubert Fournet served as the superior of the congregation for many years and provided guidance to the growing community. Despite limited resources and the lingering effects of post-revolutionary unrest, he helped lay the foundation for a religious order that would eventually expand beyond France. His life was marked by humility, simplicity, and a deep love for God and others. He continued his pastoral work until just two years before his death.

Fournet passed away on May 13, 1834, in La Puye, where he had spent much of his later years. His legacy lived on through the Daughters of the Cross, who carried forward his mission. He was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1926 and canonized by the same pontiff on May 4, 1933. Today, he is remembered as a man of courage, conviction, and compassion who helped rebuild the Church in France after the Revolution.

Feast Day

13-5-

Birth Date

6-12-1752

Died Date

13-5-1834

Canonised Date

4-5-1933

La Puye, Vienne, France

St. André-Hubert Fournet, Faithful priest and servant of Christ, Pray for us to trust in God’s providence. Help us to serve with love and courage, Bringing His light to those in need. Amen.
ST. ANDRÉ-HUBERT FOURNET

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ST. ANDRÉ-HUBERT FOURNET

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