Born in Cutry (Moselle), France, 24 January 1824
Took the habit in Penzance on 14 August 1848.
Oblation in Maryvale on 15 August 1849 (No. 253)
Priestly ordination in Galashiels, Scotland, on 10 August 1853
Died in Leeds, on 7 February 1900

Father Jean Gobert was born on 24 January 1824 in Cutry, at that time in the Metz diocese. While he was still a child his family emigrated to England. He was a gifted musician and one day he offered himself to the community of Grace Dieu as an organist. He began his novitiate in Penzance on 14 August 1848 and made his oblation in Maryvale on 15 August 1849. He did his theology studies in Penzance and Leeds, while continuing to function as organist. He was ordained priest by Bishop Gillis in Galashiels, on 15 August 1853.

He spent 47 years in Leeds as curate, organist and choirmaster. The author of his obituary writes: “His life went by in such a uniformity, – the religious following his rule and the priest serving a parish, – that it is impossible to dwell on detail. It was spent wholly in obscurity and, what is perhaps no less meritorious, in a most monotonous uniformity. It thus acquired the stamp of simplicity, which does not show itself to the eyes of men but constantly attracts God’s benevolent gaze with its most abundant blessings.” In a text such as the Sicklinghall Codex (Sicklinghall is near Leeds) he makes his appearance from time to time, sometimes for a retreat, sometimes with his choir when it came to adorn the local liturgy. He was always a model of regularity, fraternal charity, modesty and zeal for the salvation of souls. He died on 7 February 1900 after some days of sickness. “The mourners were conveyed to Sicklinghall in 22 carriages. About 150 parishioners went by train to Collingham, and from thence walked on in a snowstorm to Sicklinghall” where he was buried in the Oblate cemetery.

Yvon Beaudoin
and Michael Hughes, o.m.i.