Born at Sainte-Sigolène (Haute-Loire), November 11, 1826
Taking of the habit at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, October 31, 1849
Oblation at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, July 7, 1851 (no. 306)
Dispensed from his vows after 1857.
Jean-Marie Verdier was born at Sainte-Sigolène in the diocese of Puy on November 11, 1826. He entered the novitiate at Notre-Dame de l’Osier on October 31, 1849. He made his oblation there on July 7, 1851. In the July 2, 1851 session of the General Council, he was admitted to vows. In the report of the session, the secretary wrote: Brother Verdier “is endowed with solid virtue, above average talents, of good character, but a bit introverted, thinking a lot and speaking very little. Sound enough judgment. His conduct during the two years that he spent at the novitiate was good in every regard; the delay was due to his ill health which still today is a bit weak, but he is gaining strength.”
He then began his scholasticate studies at the major seminary at Marseilles, but he only remained there a year or two. He was sent home to his family for some rest because of mental illness. On September 13, 1853, scholastic brother Augustine Vassal, his classmate, went to visit him at Sainte-Sigolène and he wrote to Father Mouchette that the sick man’s “thinking processes worked perfectly with as much composure and good judgment as it did during the years before his illness.” In the General Council’s May 13, 1857 session, Brother Verdier’s case was discussed. “What must be done,” we read, “with Brother Verdier who for six years already has been suffering from mental illness and whom his parents have sent back to us? [….] Is the Congregation obliged to take responsibility for him or can it send him back to be cared for by his family and have him placed in an institution?” Following this reference, the name of this brother no longer appears in Oblate sources.
Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.
