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Michel-Joseph D'HerbignyCatholic Bishop
Date of Birth: 08.05.1880
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Work with the Russian Apostolate
- Papal Diplomacy
- Secret Episcopates
- Expulsion and Opposition
- Later Years
Early Life and Education
Father Michel d'Herbigny was born on August 10, 1880, in France. He joined the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and was ordained a priest on August 27, 1910. D'Herbigny earned a Doctor of Theology degree and taught at Jesuit institutions.
Work with the Russian Apostolate
In 1920, D'Herbigny moved to Rome. He became involved with the Russian Apostolate, a Catholic mission dedicated to supporting Russian immigrants and refugees. D'Herbigny authored a book on the Russian philosopher Vladimir Solovyov and wrote drafts for papal encyclicals on the situation in Soviet Russia.
Papal Diplomacy
In 1922, D'Herbigny was appointed rector of the Pontifical Oriental Institute. He played a key role in Vatican diplomacy, meeting with Russian Orthodox and Renovationist leaders. A major goal was to restore the Catholic hierarchy in the USSR, nearly destroyed by the Russian Revolution.
Secret Episcopates
On February 11, 1926, Archbishop Eugenio Pacelli (later Pope Pius XII) secretly consecrated D'Herbigny as a bishop. D'Herbigny traveled to the USSR and secretly consecrated four priests as bishops: Bolesław Sloskans, Aleksander Fryszon, Antoni Malecki, and Pius Eugene Neveu. They were appointed apostolic administrators of regions centered in Minsk, Odessa, Leningrad, and Moscow.
Expulsion and Opposition
Shortly after consecrating the bishops, D'Herbigny was expelled from the USSR. The consecrated bishops faced arrest and execution as the Soviet authorities discovered their new status. D'Herbigny's opponents within the Vatican stripped him of his authority.
Later Years
D'Herbigny returned to Rome and continued his work with the Russian Apostolate. However, he died on December 24, 1957, without fully realizing the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in Russia.
