Born: Saint-Sauveur (Isère) June 1, 1835.
Took the habit: Montolivet, July 16, 1858.
Vows: Marseille. April 7, 1860 (No. 501).
Died: Saint-Boniface, Canada, October 20, 1892.
Jean Glénat was born on June 1, 1835, in Saint-Sauveur, diocese of Grenoble, France. His parents were Jean-Pierre Glénat (called Chopin) and Jeanne Rose Maudier. He began his novitiate in Montolivet on July 16, 1858 and he took final vows on April 7, 1860. In the Personnel register of 1862-1863 it is written that “he was received in Montolivet as a domestic servant, but his natural piety led him to desire religious life. Robust in health, a good worker, a generous heart and solid virtue. After a time of testing in novitiate he was sent to the missions of Red River.
Bishop Grandin, during his visit to Saint-Boniface, had seen that Bishop Taché was often working on the farm and concerned with the details of the material needs of the different missions. When Bishop de Mazenod heard about that he was worried and he hastened to send Brother Glénat to Saint-Boniface. Brother had arrived from Europe in autumn 1860, passing through Hudson Bay. For 32 years he remained at the service of Bishop Taché, looking after the material need of the bishop’s house and the college. He also helped the Sisters in the town and found time to teach catechism to the poor children in different parts of the parish. In his report to the general chapter of 1887, Bishop Taché wrote, among other things: “The archbishopric also has Brother Jean Glénat, who has worked there diligently during twenty-six years. Brother Jean is very zealous in procuring Baptism for the little native children. In many instances, pagan parents who had refused the priest the consolation of baptizing their dying children, have given permission to Brother Jean. He is known and loved by everybody in Saint-Boniface. Many of these children owe their happiness in heaven to the zeal of Brother Jean. In 1886 no less than ten native children received Baptism in that way…”
In 1892, Brother’s strength was rapidly diminishing. He was confined to bed for some weeks before his death on October 20, 1892. His remains lie in the parish cemetery of the cathedral.
Yvon Beaudoin
and Gaston Carrière, o.m.i.
