Missionary Bishop of Indiana: 1779-1839
His life
+ Simon was born in Rennes, France, and grew up during the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. Trained as a medical doctor, he was ordained a priest in 1808.
+ After his ordination, Simon entered the Society of Saint-Sulpice and was sent the United States to serve as a missionary. Assigned to teach moral philosophy in Baltimore and at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, he was a strong supporter of the work of Saint Elizabeth Seton.
+ In 1834, Bruté was named first bishop of the Diocese of Vincennes in Indiana. He dedicated the remaining years of his life to building up the Church in Indiana as a faithful pastor, noted for his poverty and holiness. At the time of his appointment there were only two other priests serving in the diocese, which included all of the state of Indiana and a third of the state of Illinois.
+ Bishop Simon Bruté de Rémur died on June 26, 1839, and the cause for his beatification was opened in 2005.
Worth knowing
In 1898, the seat of the Diocese of Vincennes was moved to Indianapolis and the diocese was given a new name. In 1944, it was elevated in status, becoming the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Quote
“Bishop Bruté set the example of the most brotherly affection. When he was with us we did not feel our weariness; nothing was hard to us and we scarcely knew we were poor although deprived of almost every necessity of life.”—testimony offered by a priest of Vincennes at the time of the death of Bishop Bruté
Prayer
Father in heaven,
you give us every blessing
and shower us with your grace
through our savior, Jesus Christ,
and the working of the Holy Spirit.
If it be according to your will,
glorify your servant Simon Bruté
by granting the favor I now request
through his prayerful intercession:
(Mention your request.)
I make this prayer confidently
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer provided by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis)
~
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
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