The Life of Venerable Francis Libermann

Son of a rabbi becomes a priest, converts thousands of Africans to ChristYou wont see that story in any Hollywood feature film, but it happened over a century ago, and now Francis Libermann is up for canonisation. Heres his electrifying story, based on volumes of his inspiring private letters Fr. Francis Libermanns conversion was only the beginning of an epic spiritual journey marked by terrible trials and reversals, spiritual and even physical. The following capsule summary can only hint at the continual high drama of his story: He was born Jacob Libermann in 1804, fifth son of a rabbi, Lazarus Libermann. As a child, his zeal for Talmudic studies and his abhorrence of Christians, especially of clergy, delighted his father, who looked forward to his son inheriting his position. At 20, he was sent to the city of Metz to complete his rabbinic studies. But he fell into religious indifference -- then a complete loss of faith. The miracles of the Old Testament were repulsive to me, and I no longer believed them. At 22, living poor and alone in Paris, he explored the claims of Christianity, and soon felt moved to pray for Gods guidance. The answer came quickly: I was at once enlightened; I saw the truth; faith penetrated my mind and heart. ... I believed all without difficulty. On Christmas Eve, 1826, he was baptised and received Communion. Libermann instantly became conscious of an invincible courage and strength to practice the Christian law. But his father was enraged, railing against his choice in letter after letter. Francis held firm, even pleaded that his father become Christian too. Thenceforth Francis was in exile from his home. In 1827, through the charity of friends, he began his studies for the priesthood with the Sulpicians of Paris. The poor little Jew had little to recommend him beyond the interest awakened by his conversion; but he was a saint in the making, and soon began to exercise a profound influence on other souls. But a terrible setback was in store for him. He became subject to violent epileptic fits. He was asked to withdraw from the seminary, but was given a job at another seminary.

Additional Information