Emmanuel Célestin Suhard
Emmanuel Célestin Suhard was a French cardinal of the Catholic Church who served as the Archbishop of Paris from 1940 until his death in 1949. He was instrumental in the founding of the Mission of France and the worker-priest movement, aiming to bring the clergy closer to the people. His tenure as Archbishop of Paris coincided with World War II and the subsequent post-war period, during which he navigated complex political and social landscapes.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of Paris from 1940 to 1949.
- ›Elevated to the cardinalate in 1935.
- ›Instrumental in founding the Mission of France and the worker-priest movement.
- ›Appointed Bishop of Bayeux-Lisieux in 1928 and Archbishop of Reims in 1930.
- ›Participated in the 1939 papal conclave.
- ›Briefly detained by German forces during World War II.
Founding of the Mission of France, Founding of the Worker-Priest Movement
About Emmanuel Célestin Suhard
Emmanuel Célestin Suhard: Archbishop of Paris and Cardinal
Emmanuel Célestin Suhard was a significant French cardinal of the Catholic Church, most notably serving as the Archbishop of Paris from 1940 until his death in 1949. Born on April 5, 1874, in Brains-sur-les-Marches, Mayenne, Suhard's early life and education were marked by rigorous theological and philosophical studies, including at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where he earned doctorates.
Priestly and Episcopal Ministry
Ordained to the priesthood in 1897, Suhard began his ministry as a professor of philosophy and later theology at the Grand Seminary of Laval. He was appointed Bishop of Bayeux-Lisieux by Pope Pius XI in 1928, and subsequently became Archbishop of Reims in 1930. His elevation to the cardinalate occurred in 1935. He participated in the 1939 papal conclave that elected Pope Pius XII, who then named him Archbishop of Paris on May 11, 1940.
World War II and Post-War Influence
Cardinal Suhard's tenure as Archbishop of Paris spanned the tumultuous years of World War II and the post-war era. He was briefly detained by German forces in 1940 and later appealed to Hitler to save hostages. Suhard supported Marshal Pétain's Vichy government and presided over services in Notre-Dame Cathedral. His wartime record drew criticism from Charles de Gaulle, who excluded him from a post-liberation service. Despite controversies, Suhard was influential in establishing the Territorial Prelature of Mission of France and the worker-priest movement, aiming to bring the clergy closer to the people. He also served as president of the Assembly of Cardinals and Archbishops of France from 1945 to 1948.
Legacy
Emmanuel Célestin Suhard died in Paris on May 30, 1949, at the age of 75, and was buried in Notre-Dame Cathedral. He is remembered for his foundational role in the Mission of France and the worker-priest movement, initiatives that sought to address the spiritual needs of the working classes and foster a more outward-looking Church. Attributed quotes highlight his views on witnessing and the importance of truth in the priesthood.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Emmanuel Célestin Suhard born and when did he die?
Emmanuel Célestin Suhard was born on April 5, 1874, and passed away on May 30, 1949.
What was Emmanuel Célestin Suhard's role in the Catholic Church?
He served as the Archbishop of Paris from 1940 until his death and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1935. He was also instrumental in establishing key movements within the Church.
What were some of Emmanuel Célestin Suhard's significant contributions?
Suhard was a driving force behind the founding of the Mission of France and the worker-priest movement, which aimed to foster closer connections between the clergy and the general populace.
What was Suhard's experience during World War II?
During World War II, Cardinal Suhard was briefly detained by German forces in 1940. He also appealed to Hitler to save hostages and presided over quasi-political services, including one attended by Marshal Pétain.
How was Emmanuel Célestin Suhard's wartime record viewed?
While initially supporting Marshal Pétain's Vichy government, Suhard appealed for justice and charity during the deportation of Jews. However, Charles de Gaulle was unimpressed by his wartime record and excluded him from a significant service upon returning to Paris.
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