Born at Barjac (Gard), May 2, 1832.
Taking of the habit at Notre-Dame de l’Osier on July 16, 1854.
Perpetual oblation at Notre-Dame de Cléry, October 23, 1858. (no. 469)
Died at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, May 16, 1864.
Auguste Pons was born at Barjac in the diocese of Nîmes, May 2, 1832. He began his novitiate, it seems, at Notre-Dame de l’Osier on July 16, 1854, but his name does not figure in the Registry of the taking of the habit. Before the end of his novitiate, he was sent to Notre-Dame de Bon Secours where he made his vows for one year on July 18, 1855. It was at Notre-Dame de Cléry that he made his vows of five years on February 17, 1857 and his perpetual oblation October 23, 1858. He subsequently was a member of the house at Le Calvaire in Marseilles in 1859 and 1860 and then at Notre-Dame de l’Osier from 1860 until his death on May 16, 1864.
In the obituary of this brother, Father Fabre wrote: “Everywhere he left the good odour of religious virtues, the most perfect example of dedication, of the most sincere attachment to our dear Congregation.” Father Joseph Simmermann who knew Brother Pons at l’Osier wrote to Father Fabre on June 1, 1864: “I am not afraid to present him as a model for all the coadjutor brothers of our dear family. Some might be his equal, but none will be able to surpass him. This worthy brother was acting as sacristan in the church of Notre-Dame de l’Osier. The superiors who had taken his measure and knew the value of the man deliberately sent him from Marseilles to entrust him with this important post. His manner of carrying out his duties met the expectations that had been placed in him: his delicately sensitive tact, his habitual recollection, his reserve, his humility, his imperturbable calmness amidst the most important as well as the most varied occupations won for him the esteem and the affection of everyone, from people from outside the community as well as the members of the community. […] It was not only in the church that he left signs of his presence, all the other areas of the house remind us of him. Brother Pons skilfully acquitted himself of all kinds of work, working by turns in the role of gardener, florist, baker, cook, carpenter, blacksmith, timekeeper, tailor even. He was a master of all trades and the astonishing thing is that he excelled in all of them.”
Pleurisy carried him off in one week amidst great physical and moral suffering.
Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.
