The Death of a Saint: April 28, 1716

In mid-March 1716, Father de Montfort left on foot to the shrine of Our Lady of Ardilliers in Saumur, with some brothers, to entrust to Mary the future of his Congregations and to pray for missionaries.

Long walks, inadequate food, the physical and moral suffering, the little rest he took eventually got the better of his health, and though it was robust.

Immediately after the pilgrimage, Montfort left for Saint-Laurent-sur-Sevre, to give a mission that was to begin on Palm Sunday, on April 5, 1716, assisted by Father René Mulot and his brother John, pastor of St. Pompain. He organized a special reception for Bishop Champflour. But after the welcome procession, Louis-Marie, who was exhausted, was forced to go to bed: he was suffering from acute pleurisy. In the afternoon, he was to preach at the Church. Montfort wanted to go. Father Mulot wanted to dissuade him, but the missionary insisted and got up to preach on the sweetness of Jesus: a sermon touching the faithful who were moved to tears.

On April 27, being fully aware of the state of his health, Montfort asked for making his confession and to receive the sacrament of the sick. He called Father Mulot and dictated his will. He entrusted to him to continue his apostolic mission and to take care of the brothers. Father Mulot felt too weak, in physical strength and in talent, but Montfort reassured him and said, squeezing his hand: “Have faith my son … I will pray for you.”

On April 28, Louis Marie asked for his crucifix and the statue of Our Lady of the Road. Before the many emotionally moved parishioners who came to receive his blessing, Louis Marie gathered his forces and began to sing two verses of a canticle of the mission: “Let’s go, my dear friends – Let’s go on the road to Paradise – Whatever may be gained on earth – Paradise is worth far more” (C. 152). Then after a moment’s slumber, he woke up trembling and said: “It is in vain that you attack me, I’m between Jesus and Mary. I’m at the end of my race, it is all over, I do not sin any more.” Montfort died with much peace and calm on Tuesday, April 28, about eight in the evening, after eight days of illness. He was then 43 years old. When the people heard the news, they exclaimed: “The holy Father of Montfort is dead!” When Archbishop of Champflour was informed, he said: “I have just lost the best priest in my diocese.”

The burial took place on April 29. A crowd of Christians came from the entire region. Fr Barrin, Vicar General of Nantes, and a great friend of Montfort, was present at the celebration and had carved a tombstone to his memory. Montfort’s tomb is located in the parish church of Saint-Laurent-sur-Sevre.

In the days and months following his death, the tomb of Father de Montfort became an object of pilgrimage. Fr Jean-Baptiste Blain, his loyal friend, moved in from Rouen in 1720, to ask God to grant him, through the intercession of Montfort, healing for a chronic illness. It was granted.

Because of the social crisis in the 18th century and the French Revolution, the process of the beatification of Father de Montfort did not begin until one hundred years later, in 1825, thanks to Fr Gabriel Deshayes. Fr Louis-Joseph Dalin, the new Superior General, made two trips to Rome in 1843 and 1853, to accelerate the process of beatification. This took place on January 22, 1888, by Pope Leo XIII.

The political events of 1903 and the 1914-1918 World War delayed the process of canonization that was not taken up until 1928, and which led to the canonization of Father de Montfort on July 20, 1947, by Pope Pius XII. On September 19, 1996, Pope John Paul II came to pray at the tomb of one of his spiritual fathers, who had a profound impact on his devotion to Mary.