Born at Saint-Cassien (Isère), June 23, 1826.
Taking of the habit at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, December 7, 1854.
Oblation at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, February 2, 1859. (no. 479)
Died at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, May 14, 1870.
François Bernier was born at Saint-Cassien in the diocese of Grenoble on June 23, 1826. He entered the novitiate of Notre-Dame de l’Osier on December 7, 1854 and it was there that he made his first vows on December 7, 1855, his five year vows on November 21, 1856 and his perpetual vows on February 2, 1859. Father Vandenberghe’s notes on this brother are surprising. He finds no faults in him except perhaps a bit of shyness and, each month, he discovers in him some new qualities or virtues. For example: “Completely upright and good… good character. He is lacking none of the qualities that make a good religious, prayerful, regular in his observance, docile. Filled with devotion, very prayerful, energetic, prayerful, devoted, detached. He carries out his duties of sacristan well. Serene in character…, devoted to his duty…, especially careful. He meets expectations on every level. An excellent spirit, very prayerful, loves to work…, liberally endowed with common sense… A model of regular observance and exceptionally energetic. No marked defects… Excellent brother who has turned his novitiate to good account.”
During his novitiate and right up until 1860, he was in charge of the linens, guest master and especially sacristan at l’Osier. From 1860 to 1870, he fulfilled the role of sacristan at Le Calvaire in Marseilles. Struck down by consumption at the beginning of 1870, he expressed a desire to go to Notre-Dame de l’Osier where he hoped to breath again his native air. He also hoped that Our Lady would heal him. In spite of the advanced state of his illness, they accompanied him to l’Osier where he died on May 14, 1870.
Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.
