Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen
Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen was the Archbishop of Paris from 1821 until his death in 1839. He was a significant figure during the Bourbon Restoration and the July Revolution, known for his preaching, his opposition to certain royal ordinances, and his charitable work during the cholera epidemic of 1832.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of Paris from 1821 to 1839.
- ›Was the fourth archbishop after the restoration of the French hierarchy in 1802.
- ›Opposed the conversion of the national debt on behalf of the middle classes.
- ›Transformed seminaries into hospitals during the 1832 cholera epidemic and founded the 'Oeuvre des orphelins du choléra'.
- ›Denied Last Sacraments to Henri Grégoire unless he retracted his oath to the CIVIL Constitution of the Clergy.
- ›Founded the 'Société de St. Vincent de Paul' and the 'Conferences apologétiques de Notre-Dame'.
- Founded the 'SociéTé De St. Vincent De Paul'
- Founded the 'Conferences ApologéTiques De Notre-Dame'
- Founded the 'Oeuvre Des Orphelins Du CholéRa'
- Organized Clergy and Religious Institutes, Including the Nursing Sisters of Bon-Secours
About Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen
Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen, Archbishop of Paris
Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen served as the Archbishop of Paris from 1821 until his death on December 31, 1839. He held the distinction of being the fourth archbishop to lead the Paris diocese following the restoration of the French hierarchy in 1802. Born into a noble Breton family in Paris on October 8, 1778, de Quélen received his education at the College of Navarre and the seminary in St. Sulpice.
Life and Ministry
Ordained in 1807, de Quélen's early career included serving as Vicar-General of Saint-Brieuc and secretary to Joseph Fesch. During the Bourbon Restoration, he ministered at Saint-Sulpice and in military hospitals. Under the Bourbons, he rose through the ranks, becoming spiritual director of schools, Vicar-General of Paris, and coadjutor archbishop before succeeding Cardinal de Talleyrand-Périgord in 1821.
Political and Social Stance
De Quélen was known as a capable preacher, favored by Kings Louis XVIII and Charles X, yet he maintained a degree of independence. As a peer of the realm, he opposed the conversion of the national debt on behalf of the middle classes. He publicly supported Chateaubriand when the writer was in disgrace and unsuccessfully petitioned for an amnesty for exiled members of the Convention. He also advised against the 1828 ordinance that disbanded the Jesuits and limited clergy recruitment.
The July Revolution and Cholera Epidemic
While de Quélen did not endorse the royal ordinance of July 1830, which precipitated the July Revolution, he was still viewed with suspicion by the House of Orléans. During the ensuing unrest, he was twice driven from his palace by mobs. However, his leadership shone during the 1832 cholera epidemic. He converted his seminaries into hospitals, personally tended to the sick at the Hôtel-Dieu, and established the "Oeuvre des orphelins du choléra" at his own expense.
Denying Sacraments and Legacy
De Quélen is also remembered for his refusal to administer the Last Sacraments to the dying Henri Grégoire unless Grégoire would retract his oath to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, a condition Grégoire did not meet. De Quélen's episcopate saw the founding of significant organizations such as the "Société de St. Vincent de Paul" and the "Conferences apologétiques de Notre-Dame," as well as several religious institutes, including the nursing Sisters of Bon-Secours. His death, shortly after witnessing the conversion of the Prince de Talleyrand, was marked by eulogies from Ravignan and Louis-Mathieu Molé.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen the Archbishop of Paris?
Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen served as the Archbishop of Paris from 1821 until his death on December 31, 1839. He was the fourth archbishop to hold this position after the French hierarchy was restored in 1802.
What were some of Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen's notable actions during his episcopate?
De Quélen was a good preacher and was favored by Louis XVIII and Charles X. He advocated for the middle classes, opposed certain royal ordinances, and notably transformed his seminaries into hospitals during the 1832 cholera epidemic, personally ministering to the sick.
How did Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen respond to political turmoil?
Although he did not approve of the July 1830 ordinance that triggered the July Revolution, he was viewed with suspicion by the House of Orléans. He also faced mobs twice and was driven from his palace during outbreaks following the Revolution of 1830.
What charitable organizations or movements are associated with Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen?
De Quélen is remembered for founding the 'Oeuvre des orphelins du choléra' at his own expense during the 1832 epidemic. His episcopate also saw the establishment of the 'Société de St. Vincent de Paul' and the 'Conferences apologétiques de Notre-Dame'.
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