Today is the 175th anniversary of the death of Fr. Jacques Dujarié, the founder of the original Brothers of St. Joseph who later became the first brothers within the Congregation of Holy Cross. Read below a reflection on his life written by Steven Scardina, a photographer, who visited the birthplace of this remarkable man. Fr. Dujarié, pray for us!
The Courage of Fr. Jacques-François Dujarié
In 1795, Jacques Dujairé was a newly ordained priest of the diocese of Ruillé, France. His ordination came at a troubling time. The French Revolution brought the risk of martyrdom, driving religious to abandon their ministries or risk death. Fr. Dujarié’s passion for service brought him strength and courage. A secret religious life was organized in barns, lofts, cellars and caves, recalling the lives of the first Christans.
During the Revolution, Jacques would secretly exercise his ministry in the parish of Ruillé and its surroundings. He walked long distances at night in bad weather and on bad roads to console the sick, administer the Sacraments and baptize the children. He was seen to go barefoot in the snow and sleep on straw – moved with great zeal by love and penance.
In addition to his service to the poor and sick, Father Dujarié wanted to reach out and educate students in the faith. But he could not do it alone. Soon he brought together collaborators in his vision – dedicated men and women who were committed to a life of service. Father Dujarié founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence of Ruillé and the Institute of the Brothers of St. Joseph.
For almost twenty years, Father Dujarié and his collaborators were able to bring hope and inspiration to his community.
After suffering a stroke at age 67, Father Dujairé realized that he must ensure the future of his congregation. With the support and loyal help of one of his first Brothers, Brother André, Fr. Dujairé handed in his resignation in favor of Father Basil Moreau, who accepted the command of the Brothers of St. Joseph. These Brothers became part of Father Moreau’s Congregation of Holy Cross.
In subsequent years, the Congregation of Holy Cross embraced the dream that began with Fr. Dujarié, and, with Fr. Moreau’s leadership, carried the founder’s devotion to education and service to Africa, the Americas, Europe, Haiti, and India to establish hundreds of Holy Cross colleges, universities, parishes, high schools and social service organizations.
I traveled to France to visit some of the places where the ministries of Jacques Dujarié brought hope and courage to people who were in need. His dream of a band of men and women working together to fulfill God’s ministry lives on today through the tireless efforts of the members of the Holy Cross congregation and its lay collaborators throughout the world.
“I am a priest in order to be a comfort to the widow, the father of the orphan, the protector of the poor, the friend of the sick.” ~ Fr. Jacques Dujarié
In 1795, Jacques Dujairé was a newly ordained priest of the diocese of Ruillé, France. His ordination came at a troubling time. The French Revolution brought the risk of martyrdom, driving religious to abandon their ministries or risk death. Fr. Dujarié’s passion for service brought him strength and courage. A secret religious life was organized in barns, lofts, cellars and caves, recalling the lives of the first Christans.
During the Revolution, Jacques would secretly exercise his ministry in the parish of Ruillé and its surroundings. He walked long distances at night in bad weather and on bad roads to console the sick, administer the Sacraments and baptize the children. He was seen to go barefoot in the snow and sleep on straw – moved with great zeal by love and penance.
In addition to his service to the poor and sick, Father Dujarié wanted to reach out and educate students in the faith. But he could not do it alone. Soon he brought together collaborators in his vision – dedicated men and women who were committed to a life of service. Father Dujarié founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence of Ruillé and the Institute of the Brothers of St. Joseph.
For almost twenty years, Father Dujarié and his collaborators were able to bring hope and inspiration to his community.
After suffering a stroke at age 67, Father Dujairé realized that he must ensure the future of his congregation. With the support and loyal help of one of his first Brothers, Brother André, Fr. Dujairé handed in his resignation in favor of Father Basil Moreau, who accepted the command of the Brothers of St. Joseph. These Brothers became part of Father Moreau’s Congregation of Holy Cross.
In subsequent years, the Congregation of Holy Cross embraced the dream that began with Fr. Dujarié, and, with Fr. Moreau’s leadership, carried the founder’s devotion to education and service to Africa, the Americas, Europe, Haiti, and India to establish hundreds of Holy Cross colleges, universities, parishes, high schools and social service organizations.
I traveled to France to visit some of the places where the ministries of Jacques Dujarié brought hope and courage to people who were in need. His dream of a band of men and women working together to fulfill God’s ministry lives on today through the tireless efforts of the members of the Holy Cross congregation and its lay collaborators throughout the world.
“I am a priest in order to be a comfort to the widow, the father of the orphan, the protector of the poor, the friend of the sick.” ~ Fr. Jacques Dujarié
Thanks, Jonathan, for sharing this reflection!
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