Fr. Adrien Bresy, Our Founder
Fr. Adrien Bresy was born at Mons, Belgium on January 29, 1649 of Augustine Bresy and Louise Berthault. He was baptized in the parish church of St. Germaine, Mons, on January 31, 1649. His Godfather was Adrien Lecrec, a lawyer; his godmother was Miss Anna Deprez.
Fr. Adrien Bresy obtained his degree of Bachelor in Theology in 1677 from the University of Louvain. To be a university graduate in theology earned him respect. After his ordination he served as the chaplain at Dottignies. Then was appointed parish priest of Wez on September 26, 1674 served the parish of Wez more than 25 years. For his parishioners, he was the image of Good Shepherd and a model of Christian. The historian Hoverlant writes, it is to this vigilant pastor that is due the foundation of a convent in Wez.
Fr. Adrien Bresy was active in his contemplation and a contemplative in his action, mystics are neither passive nor inactive, they are not far away from the real and tangible suffering of those around them. They strive to look beyond the mere appearance of things.
Fr. Adrien Bresy was sensitive to the suffering of the women, especially the widows and orphans, his heart was moved to compassion for the weak, the poor, the sad, the lonely and the oppressed.
Indefatigable as regards work, cherished and mourned by everyone, he died, to live eternally in heaven on the first day of June 1699 and to satisfy his humility, was buried in front of this portal.
WE BECOME WHAT WE CONTEMPLATE
Fr. Adrien Bresy was a person of prayer, he not only knew god through his solid theological formation, but he also sought god and encountered god in deep contemplation and communion with him.
Following the foot steps of Jesus…
He lived a life of poverty and simplicity
Fr. Adrien Bresy was active in his contemplation and a contemplative in his action, mystics are neither passive nor inactive, they are not far away from the real and tangible suffering of those around them. They strive to look beyond the mere appearance of things.
RUINS OF THE CASTLE OF WEZ
Fr. Adrien Bresy, the Founder, shifted his residence to this castle. The seminarians were lodged in this castle while the seminary of Tournai was being constructed.
CHURCH OF ST. BRICE
On rue Barre-St-Brice are two of the oldest private houses in Europe, dating from between 1175 and 1200 and built in the Romanesque style, while the rue des Jésuites includes a Gothic house from the 13th century.
Another great interactive experience available is climbing the circular staircase to the top of the belfry.
THE TOMBSTONE OF FR. ADRIEN BRESY IS LAID IN THE REAR WALL OF THIS CHURCH
THE TOMBSTONE OF
"FR. ADRIEN BRESY" IS LAID IN THE REAR WALL OF THIS CHURCH
YOUNG SISTERS OF ST. CHARLES FROM POLAND PAYING HOMAGE TO FR. ADRIEN BRESY
The portrait of a just man
- BEAUTIFUL FACE: That radiated the glow of the Father's love that attracted all to a life of Faith.
- BEAUTIFUL HANDS: That weaved bright threads of joy in lives that grieved in his parish.
- BEAUTIFUL FEET: That walked on errands of service to educate the poor children in his parish.
- BEAUTIFUL LIPS: That spoke words of comfort to the mourner and soothed the wearied of his time.
- BEAUTIFUL EYES: That beamed with the radiance of the glory, and sending mercy and peace of the Master.
- BEAUTIFUL HEART: That saw, touched and shared the compassionate love of the Jesus.
- BEAUTIFUL SOUL: That trusted always in Divine Providence, seeking God’s will in matters big and small.
- BEAUTIFUL LIFE: That bore for others their burden of cares, Hidden yet visible. Yes indeed, He was,
A FLAME IN THE DARKNESS!!!
Fr. Adrien Bresy was sensitive to the suffering of the women, especially the widows and orphans, his heart was moved to compassion for the weak, the poor, the sad, the lonely and the oppressed.
BELGIUM IN THE 17TH CENTURY
Our Founder was a man of strong faith, he believed that God is found in silence, solitude and in the struggles of God’s people. He acknowledge the presence of the Sacred in nature and in all persons and events he encountered.
Fr. Adrien Bresy discovered God’s presence in everyone and everything. He found God in all things, and all things in God.
Fr. Adrien Bresy gave due respect and reverence to each person, no matter how marginalized, destitute or abandoned they were…
