The Dehonian Associates Office has released the fourth in a series of biographical sketches about Ven. Fr. Leo John Dehon as the congregation prepares to commemorate the centenary of his death in 2025. This month’s installment focuses on the founder’s desire for religious community. It begins:
“At 33, Father Dehon found life smiling on him: his ministries were a success, he was esteemed by his bishop and he was welcome throughout the city. But he felt something valuable slipping away. ‘My present busy life is too intense for me. The work is becoming too much for me to handle. I can no longer find time for solitude.’ He was not afraid of work but wanted to balance it with a regular practice of prayer. He thought that joining a religious congregation might help him keep that balance. He looked for a Congregation that was devoted to the Heart of Jesus. After some disappointing attempts, he wrote in his diary, ‘Finally, I began to wonder whether it might not be the plan of Providence that I should start something on my own.’ He spoke with his Bishop, who responded, ‘You want to form a Congregation of priests; I would like to have a high school in St. Quentin. You could begin your Congregation in the form of a high school.’” Click here to read the rest.
Click here to access monthly write-ups and social media posts about Fr. Dehon’s life. They are available in both Spanish and English. Questions about these or other items from the Dehonian Associates office? Please contact Monica Misey, 414-427-4267.
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