Pierre Bienvenu Noailles
French priest and founder of the Holy Family Association of Bordeaux, recognized as Venerable in 1988.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
The youth, conversion, and priestly ordination of Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles in Bordeaux and Paris.
Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles was born in Bordeaux on October 27, 1793, in the midst of the Revolutionary Terror. The eighth of a family of ten children, he was secretly baptized the same day at Saint-André Cathedral. After an adolescence distant from the faith, his conversion began around 1810. He made his first communion in 1813 at Saint-André Cathedral, experiencing a profound encounter with divine mercy. Feeling the call to the priesthood, he entered the Saint-Sulpice seminary in Paris in 1816 and was ordained a priest on June 5, 1819. Upon returning to Bordeaux, he became a vicar at the Sainte-Eulalie parish, dedicating himself to the poor, prisoners, and the youth, before passing away on February 8, 1861, following a long illness.
Life and Work
The foundation of the Association of the Holy Family of Bordeaux and the Eucharistic miracle of 1822.
The heart of his work is the foundation of the Association of the Holy Family of Bordeaux. On May 28, 1820, he gathered the first three young women, including his sister Catherine-Aimée Noailles, under the name of "Ladies of Loretto" on Rue Mazarin in Bordeaux. The association is structured into several branches (apostolic religious, contemplatives, consecrated laypeople, priests, and associated laypeople). On February 3, 1822, a Eucharistic miracle occurred in the chapel on Rue Mazarin: the bust of Christ blessing appeared in the host for more than twenty minutes, a prodigy approved by Archbishop d'Aviau which favored the expansion of the work in France, Spain, Belgium, and Algeria.
Journey toward holiness
The stages of the canonization process of Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles during the 20th century.
The reputation for holiness of Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles led to the opening of his cause in the 20th century. The ordinary informative process took place in Bordeaux between 1926 and 1928. The cause was officially introduced in Rome on June 20, 1944, by Pope Pius XII. An apostolic process took place in Bordeaux in 1947-1948 under the presidency of Cardinal Feltin, including the canonical recognition of his remains on December 18, 1947. After a temporary suspension, Pope Paul VI authorized the resumption of the cause in 1964, leading to the presentation of the Positio in 1985.
Beatification and canonization
The recognition of the heroic nature of his virtues by Pope John Paul II in 1988.
On February 8, 1988, the anniversary of his death, Pope John Paul II signed the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, conferring upon him the title of Venerable. His cause for beatification remains active at the Vatican, awaiting the official recognition of a miracle performed through his intercession.
Spirituality and legacy
Spirituality centered on the Holy Family and the contemporary legacy of his association.
The spirituality of Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles is based on the motto: "Seek God Alone in all things like Jesus, Mary and Joseph". He saw the Holy Family as a model of communion and obedience. Today, the Association of the Holy Family of Bordeaux has more than 4,000 members worldwide. His tomb rests at "La Solitude" in Martillac (Gironde). To support his works, the Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles Foundation was created and recognized as a public utility on July 24, 2013.
Frequently asked questions about Pierre Bienvenu Noailles
Who was Pierre Bienvenu Noailles?
French priest and founder of the Holy Family Association of Bordeaux, recognized as Venerable in 1988.
Which saints were contemporaries of Pierre Bienvenu Noailles?
Contemporaries include: Venerable Agnes of Jesus, Blessed Mary Anne of Jesus, Saint Alphonsus Liguori and Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus.
When did Pierre Bienvenu Noailles die?
Pierre Bienvenu Noailles died around 1793.
What are the other names of Pierre Bienvenu Noailles?
Other forms of the name: Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles.
Who are the relatives of Pierre Bienvenu Noailles?
Relatives of Pierre Bienvenu Noailles: Pierre Noailles (father), Madeleine Ricard (mother) and Catherine-Aimée Noailles (sister).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1793-1861
- Decree of venerability by John Paul II
Quotes
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Seek God Alone in all things like Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
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