Polycarpe Gondre

In 1827, he joined the Institute of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Lyon under the name Brother Polycarp. Faced with the difficulties of the congregation after the death of the founder André Coindre, he established himself as a pillar. Elected Superior General for life in 1846, he is considered the second founder of the institute. He drafted the Rules, established the motherhouse at Paradis (Espaly-Saint-Marcel), obtained legal recognition in France, and launched the first missions to the United States (Mobile, Alabama) in 1847, causing the institute to grow from 59 to nearly 400 brothers.

The reputation of Brother Polycarpe's holiness endured after his death in 1859. The official process began in 1929 in Le Puy-en-Velay. After the approval of his writings in 1940 and 1965, the Positio was examined in 1968. Pope Paul VI promulgated the decree introducing the cause on January 15, 1975, paving the way for the official recognition of his virtues.

The process reached its conclusion under the pontificate of John Paul II. On January 24, 1984, the cardinals of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints unanimously recognized the heroic nature of his virtues. On February 17, 1984, Pope John Paul II promulgated the official decree declaring Jean-Hippolyte Gondre (Brother Polycarpe) Venerable, attesting to his heroic practice of the theological and cardinal virtues.

Brother Polycarp's spirituality is centered on the contemplation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a model of pastoral charity. His legacy continues today through the educational work of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart throughout the world. His memory is honored in La Motte-en-Champsaur and in Espaly-Saint-Marcel, the historical cradle of his congregation.