Born at Colonzelle (Drôme), February 15, 1832.
Taking of the habit at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, May 20, 1853.
Oblation at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, July 10, 1854. (no. 370)
Expelled and dispensed from his vows, April 27, 1859.

Ferdinand Bouvier was born at Colonzelle in the diocese of Valence, February 15, 1832. On May 20, 1853, he entered the novitiate at Notre-Dame de l’Osier and made his oblation there on July 10, 1854. His oblation was delayed for two months because he had “lived the first six months of his novitiate in a manner that raised serious doubts about his vocation and his perseverance. He studied theology at Montolivet from 1854 to 1856. In his reports, Father Mouchette, the moderator of scholastics, always expressed dissatisfaction with him. Among other things, he wrote: “1854, unstable and changing character, leave something to be desired in terms of regular observance, lack of generosity […]; 1855, always very fickle in his conduct, does not work hard enough at his studies, too often sticks his nose into things that are none of his business, takes too much liberty in expressing his opinion, talks too much, […]” He was sent to Corsica in January of 1856 no doubt as a professor in the church school at Vico. He returned in July of 1858. Father Mouchette saw a profound change in him. “He has grown a lot in regards to his character which is more sedate, progress as well with regard to regular observance and prayer life. He has settled down well in his vocation.”

On September 23, 1858, scholastic brother Bouvier left Montolivet without permission and in spite of the being prohibited from doing so by the moderator of scholastics and the provincial. He returned to his family alleging an infirmity which, according to him, made community life unbearable and impossible. He claimed he was going to try and heal himself by undergoing a treatment which he alleged was unfeasible in an Oblate house. His case was examined in the October 24, 1858 session of the General Council. It was acknowledged that he deserved to be expelled, but they waited to do so. They remained without receiving any news from the fugitive and, on April 27, 1859, expelled him and dispensed him from his vows.

Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.