Born at Égletons (Corrèze) on May 23, 1823.
Taking of the habit at Notre-Dame de l’Osier on February 12, 1848.
Oblation at Marseilles on February 17, 1849. (no. 240)
Ordination to the priesthood in England on March 30, 1850.
Died at Limoges on February 13, 1858.

Joseph Bargy was born at Égletons in the diocese of Tulle on May 23, 1823. He entered the novitiate of Notre-Dame de l’Osier on February 12, 1848 and made his oblation in Marseilles on February 17, 1849. He was admitted to vows at the General Council session of February 7, 1849. His admission was somewhat problematical as the secretary general explained in his report of this session: “His rough character makes him unsociable. His abrupt and unpolished manner, his headstrong spirit and his rather inflexible, unbending will were just so many elements that drew the special attention of various members of the council that the decision hung for some time in the balance of indecision and doubt. […] However, since Father Mounier stated that Brother Bargy’s progress since he was at the major seminary at Marseilles was so marked and so consoling that his will, stubborn though it was, consistently submissive to authority, to the rule, to obedience […] since the council was aware besides that this brother was not lacking in talent […] it rallied to Father Mounier’s point of view and decided to admit him.”

Joseph Bargy, who had studied theology a few years before entering the Congregation, had spent, it seems, the 1848-1849 academic year in Marseilles, then the year of 1849-1850 in Maryvale in England where he was ordained to the priesthood on March 30, 1850. For reasons of health, he was forced to return to France in 1851 and spent two years at Notre-Dame de Bons Secours. In 1853, a first obedience sent him to Limoges and, in July, a second obedience sent him to England. In an August 20, 1853 letter to Father Bellon, the Founder wrote: “He is obedient no doubt but it is to be wondered if this destination may be to his liking. I had to go ahead anyway in view of the reason that he speaks English, which for a start is a very great advantage.” (Oblate Writings I, vol. 3, no. 65, p. 102) He did not stay there for very long, but, wrote Father Casimir Aubert, “he won the esteem and the confidence of Catholics and Protestants alike by his zeal tempered by gentleness and a wise restraint.” In 1855, he was serving as a mission preacher at Limoges and it was there that he died on February 13, 1858 as a result of contracting typhoid fever while preaching a mission.

Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.