Michel Guérin was born in Laval on June 8, 1801. Attracted to the priesthood from an early age, it was due to the generous sacrifices of his mother, prematurely widowed, that he was able to continue his studies and enter the seminary of Le Mans. He was ordained a priest in that city on July 19, 1829. From the beginning, young Father Guérin showed that he was a true “priest of Mary.” Appointed assistant pastor of Saint-Ellier,1 the great devotions of his heart were made to flourish there: his “Good Mother,” the HolyCross and the Passion of Jesus. He was especially moved by the sorry state of Pontmain. That poor little village had not had a resident priest for ten years. The inhabitants had to travel several kilometers to attend Mass and receive the sacraments, in fair weather and foul, on 1. Saint‐Ellier‐du‐Maine today. Father Michel Guérin, pastor of Pontmain (1801-1872) The pain of successive bereavements, the worries of a poor and painful life, often brought Mrs. Guérin to the feet of Our Lady of Avesnières (Laval), to implore the help and the consolation of our heavenly Mother. It was while accompanying her on these pious visits that little Michel felt an ardent love for Mary being formed in his heart, a love which would grow until his death. All his life he had a particular devotion to Our Lady of Avesnières. During the War of 1871, the inhabitants of Laval urged Bishop Wicart to make a vow in honor of their powerful Protectress. This was done on January 20, 1871. The Prussians permanently withdrew from the region that same day, while news of the Apparition of Pontmain reached the liberated city. very bad roads. Consequently, many of them no longer went to church. In the material sphere, things were not much better. This village was remote and difficult to reach. Life there was harsh and lacking in the barest conveniences; in spite of continual hard work, the population remained poor. Having asked his bishop, Father Guérin obtained permission in 1836 to go to Pontmain and take spiritual responsibility for the village. The new pastor gave himself to his flock unreservedly. He told them upon his arrival: “It is God who has done everything. He wants me to be yours without division. From now on I amwith you, for life and for death.” Father Guérin set to work with untiring generosity. He began by restoring the church, which was in danger of ruin, and providing it with the necessary objects of worship. In 1842 he founded a school and entrusted its direction to the Sister Adorers of the Justice of God.2 Through his efforts, roads were improved, the cemetery was enlarged, a charitable organization in charge of assisting the poorest of the poor was created, and small enterprises, providing the basic necessities of life, were established. To finance his charitable projects, he was not afraid to beg, going to see prefects, mayors, bishops, the rich and even the Empress Eugenie! 2. Founded in 1831 by Mother Marie‐Thérèse de la Croix (1787‐1865), born Anne Boivent, and Father Jean‐Baptiste Le Taillandier, the Congregation of Sister Adorers of the Justice of God was also known by the name of Sisters of Rillé (because the mother house of the Congregation was installed in the former Abbey of Rillé, at Fougères). Follow‐ ing the Vatican II Council, the Congregation was called the Sisters of Christ the Redeemer. Today they still labor in the fields of teaching and care of the sick. 136 Vol. LVI, No 5 Magnificat
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