Blessed Louis Alexander Alphonse Brisson

Biography

Blessed Louis Alexander Alphonse Brisson, also known as Alois Brisson, was born on 23 June 1817 in Plancy-l’Abbaye, Aube, France. He was the only child of Toussaint and Savine Brisson. From a young age, Louis showed a keen interest in learning, particularly in the field of science. He was fortunate to have a local priest as his educator, who had a large library that Louis eagerly explored.

Inspired by his studies and guided by his strong faith, Louis entered the seminary in Troyes, France, and was ordained a priest on 19 December 1840. Following his ordination, he served as a teacher at the Visitation school in Troyes. During his time there, Louis became deeply involved with the religious community of the Visitation Sisters in Troyes. He served as their chaplain, confessor, and spiritual director.

One of the significant influences on Louis' life was Mother Marie Therese de Sales Chappuis, the superior of the Visitation house. Louis developed a close friendship with her and eventually became her biographer. Together with the assistance of Saint Francisca Salesia, Louis founded the Oblate Sisters of Saint Francis de Sales in 1859. This religious congregation was established to minister to young girls working in textile factories, providing them with education and spiritual guidance.

In 1869, Louis established Saint Bernard's College in Troyes, furthering his commitment to education. The college aimed to provide a well-rounded education to its students while instilling strong moral values. Louis strongly believed in the transformative power of education and devoted himself to creating a supportive environment for intellectual and spiritual growth.

On 27 August 1876, Louis, along with five other priests, founded the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales. This religious institute was formed to promote the spirituality and teachings of Saint Francis de Sales and to serve as a missionary society working in various fields.

In later years, as the French government began closing down religious houses, the Oblates were forced to transfer their General House to Rome, Italy. Due to his advanced age and frailty, Father Louis was unable to make the journey with them. He bid farewell to his fellow Oblates and retired to spend the remaining days of his life at his family home in Plancy, France.

Blessed Louis Alexander Alphonse Brisson passed away on 2 February 1908 in Plancy-l’Abbaye, Aube, France. His holiness and dedication to the Church were recognized through his veneration, which began on 19 December 2009, when Pope Benedict XVI declared his heroic virtues. He was beatified on 22 September 2012 by the same pope, acknowledging his exemplary life and the impact he had on the lives of many through his educational and religious initiatives. Today, Blessed Louis Alexander Alphonse Brisson's legacy lives on, inspiring others to embrace education, service, and faith.