VATICAN - Following the death of Abbé Pierre, founder of the Emmaus Movement, Pope Benedict XVI sends telegrame of condolence to the Archbishop of Bordeaux France

Wednesday, 24 January 2007

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Given below is the text of a telegramme sent on behalf of the Holy Father, by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., to Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, archbishop of Bordeaux, France, for the death on Monday at the age of 94, of Abbe Pierre, founder of the Community of Emmaus. "Informed of the death of Abbe Pierre, the Holy Father gives thanks for his activity in favor of the poorest, by which he bore witness to the charity that comes from Christ. Entrusting to divine mercy this priest whose whole life was dedicated to fighting poverty, he asks the Lord to welcome him into the peace of His kingdom. By way of comfort and hope, His Holiness sends you a heartfelt apostolic blessing, which he extends to the family of the departed, to members of the communities of Emmaus, and to everyone gathering for the funeral
Henri Antoine Groués, known as Abbé Pierre, was born on 5 August 1912 in Lyons, France to rich parents. At the age of 16 while visiting Assisi, he made up his mind to become a Capuchin Friar, and at 19, after giving his part of the family heritage to the poor, he entered an enclosed order of Capuchins in Lyons. He was ordained a priest in 1938 and the following year due to poor health he left the monastic life and was sent to work in the diocese of Grenoble. In 1942 by chance, he begins to work hard to save people from Nazi tyranny and to free France from Nazism. In 1944 he was arrested by the Gestapo, but escaped to Algiers. After the war he returned to Paris and was elected a member of the National Assembly. Towards the end of 1949 he started the Emmaus Movement. He toured France and Europe for two years 1952 - 1954 giving conferences on the serious problems, the homeless, hunger in the world etc., collecting money and material donations. Emmaus Communities began to flourish with the intent to help “those who are worse off” . He received various awards. Today there are 400 communities in 38 different countries. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 24/1/2007 ; righe 28, parole 436)


Share: