Libermann, Francis Mary Paul
Founder of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, born Saverne, Alsace, 1804; died Paris, France, 1852. The son of a Jewish rabbi, he was baptized at Paris, 24 December 1826 , and entered Saint Sulpice, 1827. An attack of epilepsy delayed his ordination till 18 September 1841 . Meanwhile his association with two creole seminarians had inspired him with the thought of establishing an institute for the conversion of negroes. After several years of prayer and patience, the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was authorized at Rome and the novitiate opened at La Neuville near Amiens 27 September 1841 . The missions in Africa, practically the first since the downfall of the early Church, have been crowned with success. In 1848 the institute was amalgamated with the revived Congregation of the Holy Ghost, which had a similar object, and Father Libermann was chosen superior general of the united societies.