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Gillet
the Man
Francis
Louis Florent Gillet was born in Antwerp, Belgium, January 12,
1813 and baptized the same day at the Franciscan Church of St.
Anthony. Although little of his childhood can be documented, it
is known that education was highly prized in the family. Louis
received the best that the times could provide. In
1827, he began his classical studies at the Royal College of
Liege; his religious education was pursued at the seminary in
the ancient Abbey of Rolduc. In 1832, having completed his philosophy
studies at the State University of Louvain, he announced his
decision to enter the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer
(Redemptorists).
Gillet
the Redemptorist
At
age 20, Louis entered the Redemptorist House at St. Trond, Belgium.
Two years later, he pronounced his religious vows, and on March
10, 1838, he was ordained a priest. During the next four years,
he served as secretary to Fr. DeHeld at Tournai, Beligium, but
his great desire was to join his brothers priests who had begun
missions in the United States. In 1843, with Father Poilvache,
Gillet departed for the United States' missions.
Gillet
the Missionary/Founder
Fathers
Poilvache and Gillet preached many successful missions, one
of which was at St. Anthony in Monroe. The parish was to become
a missionary base for the Redemptorists and its name would be
changed to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Father Gillet
became pastor of the church and superior of the Monroe foundation.
In 1844, Gillet
met Theresa Maxis, a member of the Oblate Sisters of Providence
in Baltimore. He convinced her of the great needs of the children
in Michigan. In 1845, she left the Oblates and, with Father
Gillet, founded the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart
of Mary. In his later years, Father Gillet returned to Europe
and entered a Cistercian monastery where he was known as Pere
Marie Celestin. He remained a Cistercian until his death in
1892.
Learn more
about Louis Florent Gillet by reading excerpts from
the Gift
of Fire, a
chronolgy of Gillet's life compiled by the IHM Archives staff
in Monroe, Michigan. |
