Born in Ste-Marguerite-Lafigère (Ardèche), October 31, 1816.
Taking of the habit at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, June 6, 1850.
Perpetual oblation at Notre-Dame de Lumières, December 25, 1851 (no. 321).
Died at Aix-en-Provence, July 23, 1883.

Philippe Founier was born at Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère in the diocese of Viviers on October 31, 1816. He got to know the Oblates during a mission in his home parish and began his novitiate at Notre-Dame de l’Osier on June 6, 1850. He made his annual vows at Notre-Dame de l’Osier on June 25, 1851 and his perpetual oblation at Notre Dame de Lumières on December 25, 1851. In its October 5, 1851 session, the General Council unanimously admitted him to vows after making the observation that this brother “possesses an extremely sound judgment, is an excellent religious, very well suited to caring for the material needs of a house.”

He worked as cook at Notre-Dame de l’Osier and Notre Dame de Lumières in 1851-1852, at Notre-Dame de Bon Secours from 1853 to 1855, at Montolivet from 1856 to 1861 and at Autun in 1862-1863. In the Registry of the personnel in 1862-1863 we find written under this brother’s name: “A meticulous, astute cook sent to the scholasticate at Autun to give formation to the brothers there under his orders.” Very little mention of him is made after that. He was at Le Calvaire in Marseilles in 1863-1864, then at Bon Secours in 1864. Next, we find him at Aix in 1878 where he functioned as porter. It was at Aix that he died of cholera after a few days of illness on July 23, 1883.

In his obituary, Father Fabre wrote: “Everywhere he went, Brother Fournier showed himself to be the humble, obedient religious and worker. The greatest part of his life was spent in the kitchen and, to this service, where it is difficult to please everyone, he brought a great sense of organization, thrift and cleanliness. To these qualities which are indispensable for a cook, he brought a great charity. He had the knack of accommodating himself, always warmheartedly, to the sometimes exacting demands of the health of some, the weariness and the habits of others. As for the rest, like the just man, he lived by faith. [… At Aix] by his worthy bearing and his sober religious demeanour, coupled with a certain good naturedness which showed forth a spirit full of shrewdness and insight, he soon won the esteem and gained the affection of everyone. A kindly and gracious smile greeted visitors…”

Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.