Born at Favières (Meurthe-et-Moselle), July 28, 1827.
Taking of the habit at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, September 20, 1849.
Oblation at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, September 21, 1850. (no. 281)
Ordination to the priesthood at Marseilles, June 5, 1853.
Died at Notre-Dame de Talence, December 19, 1960.
Victor Genin was born at Favières in the diocese of Nancy, July 28, 1827. He entered the novitiate of Notre-Dame de l’Osier on September 20, 1849 and made his oblation there on September 21, 1850. He was admitted to vows in the General Council session of September 4, 1850. The secretary general wrote about him: “He has one year of theological studies. He possesses virtue that is above average. He has sound judgment, adequate capabilities. He would perform adequately in preaching.”
After three years of theology at the major seminary of Marseilles, he was ordained by Bishop de Mazenod on June 5, 1853 and then stayed on in Marseilles to follow the course of “advanced studies” which had as their goal to better prepare the young priests for preaching. In July of 1854, he received his obedience for Notre-Dame de l’Osier to replace Father Fayette in the position of procurator and treasurer.
At the General Council session of December 30, 1856, he was designated for the missions of Saint Boniface. On March 13, 1857, however, the Founder communicated to Father Maisonneuve that Father Genin had fallen ill, to the point that it was feared he would be unable to leave with Bishop Taché.
According to a few letters written by Fr. Martin, Fr. Genin was at Notre-Dame de Talence in 1858. That is where he died on December 19, 1860. Bishop de Mazenod wrote in the December 22 entry of his diary: “Sad news of the death of our Father Genin. The superior of Talence [Father Merlin], whose first letter warned me of his desperate case, told me of his holy death today. All his confreres were present when he renewed his vows. They could not withhold their tears when they heard him rejoice because he was dying as a member of the Congregation and that, before my picture which he had near his bed, he was, in a way, renewing his vows in my presence. He was heroic in his patience and his gentleness amidst the cruel sufferings he endured the last fifteen days of his life.”
Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.
