Peter Fourier - Reformer and Founder

Reformer and Founder

The success of Fourier's pastorate in inspiring his flock to a greater fidelity to the faith was brought to the attention of the local bishops of the region. They prevailed upon him to go about to different parishes to preach to the people. He did so and, as a result of seeing the situation of the populace throughout the region, he was struck by the depths of their ignorance and superstition.

Along with Blessed Alix Le Clerc, he founded the Congregation of Notre Dame of Canonesses Regular of St. Augustine, who were committed to the free education of children. Soon there were six schools run by his spiritual daughters. By the time of his death, they had grown to forty. The canonesses went on to spread throughout France, Germany and England.

Fourier's vision also extended to the life of his own Order. He sought to revive a spirit of fervor and discipline in the communities of the canons regular. In 1621 the Bishop of Toul, Jean des Porcellets, chose him to organize the canonical communities in his diocese. He therefore entrusted the ancient Abbey of St. Remy in that city to Fourier and six companions, where they could lead the way of life he envisioned. Within four years, eight houses of the Order had embraced his reform. In 1625 they were formed into the new Congregation of France for the entire region of Lorraine. To reinforce the reform, any canons who wished to join had to undergo a new novitiate and profession of vows. Otherwise they could retire with a pension from the canonical life. On 11 February 1628, they were officially named the Congregation of Our Savior by the Holy See.

He himself was elected as abbot of the congregation in 1632. He hoped to guide his fellow canons to caring for children, as the canonesses were doing. This vision never took root among the men, however.

After the invasion by the Kingdom of France of the Duchy of Lorraine in 1632, Fourier refused to swear an oath of loyalty to the King of France. Thus he and his community were forced to flee their monastery, taking refuge in Gray, Haute-Saône. Fourier and the canons with him were occupied in that city nursing plague victims. It was there that he died on 9 December 1640.