Jean Jacques Olier Founder of the Seminary and Society of Saint-Sulpice Date of Birth: 20.09.1608 Country: France

1. Biography of Jean-Jacques Olier
2. Early Life and Education
3. Foundation of the Seminary and Society of Saint-Sulpice
4. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Jean-Jacques Olier

Jean-Jacques Olier, also known as Olier, was born on September 20, 1608, in Paris, France, into a family of lawyers. He passed away in Paris on April 2, 1657.

Early Life and Education

From 1617 to 1624, Olier resided in Lyon, where his father served as the king's intendant. He received his education at the Jesuit College, and in 1622, he received the blessing of François de Sales, a meeting that had a profound impact on him.

From 1625 to 1629, Olier studied philosophy at Harcourt College and then theology at the Sorbonne. During this period, he preached in the style of the time. However, starting in 1639, Olier fell into a deep depression and spiritual darkness. He remained in this state of despair and self-loathing for two years, exacerbated by the death of his spiritual director, Father Condren, in 1641.

However, Olier fully surrendered himself to God, refusing to rely on his own strength to emerge from his depression. He resolved to be completely healed by Easter 1641.

Foundation of the Seminary and Society of Saint-Sulpice

In September 1641, along with two other priests, Caulet and Ferrier, Olier solemnly established a new community, which later grew into the first seminary on December 28. Following the advice of his new spiritual director, Olier began publishing his spiritual newspaper.

In 1642, Olier established a genuine community of priests within the parish and embarked on extensive pastoral work, including liturgy, catechesis, and charitable acts. He also devoted much of his time to confession and spiritual guidance. The seminary, established in 1642, and later expanded with a spacious building in 1649-1651, became known as the Saint-Sulpice Seminary. Olier's aim was to prepare true pastors, not just skilled theologians like the Sorbonne. Additionally, Olier founded the Company of Priests of Saint-Sulpice. In 1651, he offered his services to the General Assembly of the Clergy, and soon after, several bishops requested his educated priests to establish seminaries in their dioceses, including Nantes, Saumur, Saint-Flour, Le Puy, and Clermont.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1652, Olier fell seriously ill. After recovering, he retired from his position as the curate of Saint-Sulpice, relieved of the burden. From 1653 to 1657, despite being weakened by illness, Olier continued his missionary work. He co-founded the Society of Notre-Dame in Montreal with Jerome le Royer de la Dauversiere, maintained connections with Canada, and sent his disciples there. However, his illness worsened, and he passed away in Paris on April 2, 1657, at the age of 48.

In the same year, on July 29, the first Sulpicians arrived in Canada to serve in the mission in Montreal. Olier's notable works include "Pietas seminarii sancti Sulpitii," "Personal Lists (Memoirs)," "Christian Catechism for Inner Life," "Introduction to Life and Christian Virtues," "Christian Day," "Letters," and "Plan for Establishing a Seminary."