Abstract
Frédéric Ozanam’s legacy overshadows contributions of other Society of Saint Vincent de Paul founders, such as Emmanuel Bailly. A man who worked in the background, Bailly should be better recognized, both for his role as a founder and for the part he played in the restoration of Catholicism in post-revolutionary France. Ralph Middlecamp discusses Bailly’s life and work, which was rooted in his Vincentian heritage. A teacher and a journalist, Bailly mentored young men in faith and good works, and the Conference of History that he started brought the Society’s founders together. He published several newspapers addressing contemporary social issues and defending Catholicism. His office was the Society’s first meeting place. Bailly became the Society’s first president, arranged for its members to receive instruction in home visits of the poor, and helped the group escape repression. The impetus and the basic outline for the Society’s Rule came from him and was rooted in his knowledge of the Congregation of the Mission’s Rules. His circulars to the Society provided much needed advice. In conclusion, Middlecamp explains why Bailly is so unknown today and summarizes his children’s achievements as leaders in the French Church’s renewal.
Recommended Citation
Middlecamp, Ralph
(2021)
"Emmanuel Bailly: The Advisor and Friend of Christian Youth,"
Vincentian Heritage Journal: Vol. 36:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://via.library.depaul.edu/vhj/vol36/iss1/2