Born at Montmirail (Drôme).
Taking of the habit at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, October 31, 1843
Oblation at Notre-Dame de Lumières, November 1, 1845 (no. 149)
Died at Notre-Dame de Bon Secours, December 25, 1847.
François-Xavier Blain was born at Montmirail, in the diocese of Valence. He began his novitiate at Notre-Dame de l’Osier on October 31, 1843 where he pronounced his first vows on November 1, 1845. In the Registry of the General Council, in the October 27, 1845 entry, we read: “The favourable report given by Father Ricard, the superior of the community where this brother is living, a report which supports his request by pointing out the distinguishing feature of this young man’s prayerfulness, good spirit and love of work has given the Council sufficient grounds to vote. The result of this vote was that the brother’s request was one acceptable to the Council, and in consequence thereof, he would be allowed to make his perpetual oblation on All Saints Day.”
In March of 1847, Father Dassy, the superior of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours, thanked the Founder who sent him Brother Blain “to act as the cook for the community.” Brother Blain died on December 25, 1847. On December 30, 1847, Bishop de Mazenod communicated this news to Father Courtès in these words: “I have just learned the sad news of the death of our lay brother Blain who passed away on Christmas Day at Lablachère. I was informed that he died as a saint after only a few days of illness. You know the prayers that are due for his soul. He will pay back from Heaven a hundredfold the good we do him. But we are now more perplexed than ever as to how to provide Brothers for our houses.” (Letters to the Oblates of France, 1843-1849, Oblate Writings I, vol. 10, no. 961, p. 201)
Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.
