Who was Abbé Pierre, the big-hearted founder of the Emmaus movement?
Who was Abbot Pierre?
Abbé Pierre is a French Catholic priest who spent his life helping others and fighting injustice against the poor. He is the founder of the Emmaüs communities.
What is Abbot Pierre’s name?
His real name is Henri Grouès. During the Second World War, he joined the Resistance under the pseudonym Abbé Pierre. He helps Jews flee to Switzerland. Among the latter, he succeeded in exfiltrating one of General de Gaulle’s brothers.
Where was Abbé Pierre born?
Abbé Pierre was born in Lyon on August 5, 1912 into a wealthy family of eight children. His parents are devout Catholics. From the age of six, every Sunday morning, he accompanied his father who was involved in charitable work for the homeless.
Why is Abbé Pierre known?
Abbé Pierre is famous for supporting the underprivileged in society. In 1949, he created the first Emmaüs community by welcoming homeless people in an old house in Neuilly-Plaisance (Seine-Saint-Denis).
On February 1, 1954, he cried out in anger on the radio. While homeless people are dying of cold in the streets, Abbé Pierre asks the French to mobilize to help them. He calls for an “insurrection of kindness.” His words trigger an outpouring of charity.
Where is Abbé Pierre buried?
Abbé Pierre rests in the cemetery of Esteville (Seine-Maritime), a small Norman village where he used to retire to meditate and work. There is now a place of remembrance, the Abbé-Pierre center, where everyone can come and pay their respects at their grave.
When and how did Abbé Pierre die?
Abbé Pierre died on January 22, 2007 at the Val-de-Grâce hospital in Paris. He died from a lung infection. He was 94 years old.
What is the Abbé-Pierre Foundation used for?
This foundation aims to enable anyone in a precarious situation to access decent housing. To do this, she advises and guides people in difficulty. The association also works for the construction of social housing.
What does the expression “I am not Abbé Pierre” mean?
In other words, this phrase means “I can’t help you” or “I can’t solve all the misery in the world.”
What are Abbé Pierre’s best-known quotes?
- “A smile costs less than electricity, but gives just as much light.”
- “To live is to learn to love.”
- “You don’t have to wait until you’re perfect to start something good.”
- “We are never happy except in the happiness we give. To give is to receive.”
- “There is only one rule to reach paradise: love while you have the strength, that’s all.”
- “We are all men of one and the same Earth.”
And many more!
