Important dates of Charles Lavigerie
1825 Oct 31 Birth in Bayonne, France 1849 June 2 Priestly Ordination 1854 Professor at the Sorbonne in Paris, France 1856 Director of Education in the East His road to Damascus : 1860 His “Road to Dasmascus” Christians are killed in Lebanon and Damascus; Lavigerie is there to help refugees and orphans. His first contact with Muslims; he discovers his missionary vocation1861 Diplomatic function in Rome 1863 Lavigerie becomes Bishop of Nancy, France (aged 36) 1866 Lavigerie accepts the See of Algiers, a poor diocese, but “the gateway to all Africa… and her 200 million souls” Algiers : 1867 Lavigerie is named archbishop of Algiers 1868 Appointed Apostolic Delegate for the Sahara and Sudan Oct 19 First Novitiate of the “White Fathers” at Maison Carrée 1869 Sept 8 First Novitiate of the “White Sisters” at Algiers 1872 Lavigerie presents himself as candidate for the Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem He is not going there,…
“Caritas” and the Pelican
Lavigerie, an apostle of charity :On becoming bishop, Father Lavigerie took the motto “Caritas” and as his episcopal coat of arms, a pelican – this bird which feeds its young with its own blood! His life illustrated the motto and coat of arms he had chosen. Arriving in Algiers, he addressed the Muslim Algerians: “I claim the privilege of loving you like sons …” At the bishop’s house he welcomed orphans and he founded two missionary societies to help them – the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (White Sisters). He required their members the same compassion that he himself had towards the Africans. For our love to bear fruit, we must see Our Lord Himself in the patients we care for and in those touched by our charity and our patience.” Is that what…