Blessed Pierre Bonhomme

Biography

Blessed Pierre Bonhomme was born on 4 July 1803 in Gramat, Lot, France. From a young age, Pierre displayed a deep piety and a thirst for knowledge, sensing a calling to priesthood. At the age of 15, he entered the seminary at Montfaucon in France in November 1818, dedicating himself to his studies.

While still a deacon, Pierre's compassionate heart led him to open a school for boys, where he could not only educate them but also impart moral and spiritual values. After his ordination on 23 December 1827, at the age of 24, he began serving in the diocese of Cahors in France.

In 1831, Pierre founded a seminary preparatory school, furthering his commitment to the education and formation of young people. Additionally, he established the Children of Mary, an organization that assisted in meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of girls in Gramat, France. Recognizing the plight of the elderly who were abandoned, he encouraged the young people under his guidance to visit and care for these vulnerable members of society.

Driven by his passion for aiding the marginalized, Pierre founded a home for the indigent and founded the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Calvary. This congregation dedicated themselves to teaching children and providing assistance to the poor, sick, elderly, and disabled.

Pierre Bonhomme, not only renowned for his educational and charitable endeavors, had a gift for preaching. He embarked on numerous preaching missions throughout the region, earning a reputation as an excellent preacher and converting many souls to the faith. He held a particular devotion to Our Lady of Rocamadour, whose intercession he sought during a moment of crisis. While preaching a retreat, Pierre lost his voice completely, but through prayer to Our Lady of Rocamadour, he received a miraculous healing and completed the retreat.

Although Pierre felt a desire to become a Carmelite, his bishop recognized his incredible talent as a missioner and asked him to continue his important work. Obedient to his bishop's guidance, Pierre continued preaching until 1848 when he was afflicted with larynx disease, which forced him to retire from active mission work.

With his mission vocation behind him, Pierre turned his attention to the development and expansion of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Calvary. In 1854, he introduced care for the deaf and mute, and in 1856, he expanded their ministry to encompass the mentally ill. He spent his final years providing spiritual guidance to the sisters, writing their Rule, and extending the reach of their charitable works.

Blessed Pierre Bonhomme, a tireless servant of God and advocate for the marginalized, passed away on 9 September 1861 in Gramat, Lot, France. His holy life and heroic virtues were recognized by Pope John Paul II, who declared his veneration on 23 October 1987. Then, on 23 March 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified Pierre Bonhomme, acknowledging his sanctity and his dedication to the service of God and others.

Today, the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Calvary continues to thrive, with sisters actively engaged in various countries such as France, Brazil, Argentina, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines. Blessed Pierre Bonhomme's legacy of compassion and selfless service lives on through their ongoing mission to uplift and care for those in need.