Society of Saint-Sulpice Jean-Jacques Olier

in 1645, olier founded society of st. sulpice, established seminaries throughout france became known moral , academic teaching. during period of fronde (1648-1653), civil war reduced paris widespread misery , famine, olier supported hundreds of families , provided many clothing , shelter. none refused. poor cared according methods of relief inspired practical genius of vincent de paul. rules of relief, adapted in other parishes, became accepted methods , still followed @ st. sulpice.

at times, many 60 80 priests ministering in parish, of whom illustrious, little after olier s time, abbé fénelon, later archbishop of cambrai. 1 of best effects of olier s work, sent trained, enlightened zealous priests parts of france, , later beyond.

orphans, numerous during war, placed in parishes, , house of refuge established orphan girls. home open shelter , reform many women rescued prostitution, , young girls exposed danger of that. many free schools poor girls founded olier, , laboured @ reform of teachers in boys schools, not, however, great success.

olier perceived reform of boys schools accomplished through religious community; in fact came after death through work of st. jean-baptiste de la salle, former pupil of st. sulpice. free legal aid provided poor. gathered under 1 roof nuns many different communities , orders had been driven out of monasteries in countryside , had fled paris refuge. cared them till close of war. in end, there no misery among people, spiritual or corporal, pastor did not seek remedy.

olier led movement against duelling, formed society suppression, , enlisted active aid of military men of renown, including marshals of france , famous duellists. converted many of noble , royal blood, both men , women. worked overcome common idea christian perfection priests , religious orders, , inspired many practices of devout life, including daily meditation, spiritual reading , other exercises of piety, , more exact fulfillment of duties, whether @ court, in business or @ home.