Born at Bénestroff (Moselle), October 17, 1837
Taking of the habit at Nancy, April 11, 1857
Oblation at Nancy, May 3, 1858 (no. 457)
Ordination to the priesthood at Marseilles, July 14, 1861
Left the Congregation in May, 1866.
Joseph Simmerman was born in Bénestroff in the diocese of Nancy on October 17, 1837. He entered the novitiate at Nancy on April 11, 1857 and made his oblation there on May 3, 1858. He studied theology at the scholasticate of Montolivet from 1858 to 1861. In his reports, Father Mouchette, moderator of scholastics, wrote initially that this brother “brought with him good reports from the novitiate. [….] He has a great deal of virtue, an exceptional prayer life; he seems endowed with an unerring judgment especially in matters of the spiritual life. He lives in a great union with God.” In 1859, 1860 ad 1861, Father Mouchette always speaks of his regular observance, his prayer life and assiduity, but he constantly stresses one fault: “too demanding with his confreres; he is scandalized by everything. Often rebukes them with too much acrimony,” “always extremely austere and introverted” “always harsh with others.”
Joseph Simmerman was ordained to the priesthood in Marseilles by Bishop Jacques Jeancard on July 14, 1861. He spent a year at Talence to recover his health, then he was master of novices at Notre-Dame de l’Osier from 1862 to 1865, and received his obedience for Paris. At Talence, Osier and Paris, he took part in a few missions.
In May-June 1866, he wrote four letters to Father Fabre, asking to be dispensed from his vows, alleging that community life had become impossible for him. He returned to the diocese of Nancy where he was appointed parish priest of Heillecourt.
Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.
