Request Made for an Inquiry into the Sanctity of Five Priest-Martyrs of 1873 Epidemic by Cheryl H. White, PhD

Last year, the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans marked the 145th anniversary of the 1873 Yellow Fever epidemic in Shreveport with a series of public presentations, articles in this publication and elsewhere, the development of a serial graphic novel, and the production of a limited podcast series entitled No Greater Love: Shreveport 1873, all with the purpose of chronicling the lives of five priests who willingly sacrificed their own lives for the care and welfare of others. Most of us know that among those counted among the dead were Fr. Isidore Quemerais, Fr. Jean Pierre, Fr. Jean-Marie Biler, Fr. Louis Gergaud, and Fr. Francois Le Vezouet, all of whom died between September-October 1873 while caring for the sick and dying of Shreveport. Their sacrifice is well-documented in the earliest histories of the epidemic, and memorialized in the beautiful stained glass windows of Holy Trinity Catholic Church downtown, founded by Fr. Jean Pierre.

For the past three years, I have worked with fellow Cathedral parishioner William Ryan Smith and Fr. Peter Mangum to rigorously research the lives of these priests, initially for the purpose of producing a book-length manuscript, as well as the graphic novel and podcast. In addition to primary research with a diocesan delegation led by Fr. Peter to the French dioceses of St. Brieuc, Rennes, and Nantes last February, I have also personally conducted research through the Archdiocese of New Orleans, University of Notre Dame and the Jesuit archives in St. Louis. The effort to learn as much as we could about these priests has been exhaustive and comprehensive, leading us to the conclusion that their lives are not merely remarkable, but that they merit consideration as part of the formal Vatican process for the Causes of Saints. Therefore, on June 1 of this year, Ryan Smith and I made a formal request to our Diocesan Administrator, Fr. Peter Mangum that a diocesan inquiry begin into the sanctity of these five priests. Our request is in accordance with the published Vatican guidelines, and constitutes a crucial first step in memorializing what we believe to be exemplary virtue and sacrifice. Indeed, in July 2017, Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter entitled Maiorem hac Dilectionem (No Greater Love), which provides a new way forward for causes of saints, based on the free offering of one’s own life. We believe that these priests, deceased now for more than 145 years, not only have historically-documented reputations for sanctity, but that we can demonstrate their memory fostered popular devotion dating back to the time of their deaths. Request Made for an Inquiry into the Sanctity of Five Priest-Martyrs of 1873 Epidemic By Cheryl H. White, Ph.D.

Graphic Novel Series on Shreveport 1873 Yellow Fever Epidemic Martyrs RIGHT: The Catholic Connection is running a graphic novel series each month, featuring the story of five priests who gave their lives in service to others in the Shreveport Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873. The seventh page of this series shows Father Pierre succumbing to exhaustion and illness and sending for assistance. This graphic novel is provided courtesy of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans and is illustrated by Deacon Andrew Thomas.

Have you had a chance to read the U.S. Bishops’ pastoral letter against racism? If you haven’t had a chance, make some time this week. Read it at: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/open-wide-our-hearts.pdf