- 13 May, 2026
France, May 13, 2026: Discover Saint Andrew Hubert Fournet, the courageous French priest who survived persecution during the French Revolution and founded a religious congregation dedicated to serving the poor. Learn about his May 13 feast day and inspiring legacy.
Feast Day: May 13
Born: December 6, 1752, France
Died: May 13, 1834, France
Known for: Surviving the French Revolution and founding a religious congregation
Founder of: The Daughters of the Cross
Occupation: Catholic priest and missionary pastor
What would you do if practicing your faith became a crime?
During the chaos of the French Revolution, priests were hunted, churches were attacked, and public worship was heavily restricted.
Many fled.
Some compromised.
But he refused to abandon his mission.
Even when it nearly cost him his life.
He did not begin as an obvious future saint.
As a young man, he struggled with discipline and direction.
At one point, his family even worried about his seriousness and commitment.
But over time, something changed. He experienced a deeper conversion and eventually chose the priesthood.
That transformation would prepare him for extraordinary trials later in life.
When the French Revolution erupted, the Catholic Church faced brutal persecution.
Priests were pressured to swear loyalty to the revolutionary government instead of the Church.
Those who refused became targets.
Andrew refused. As a result, he was forced into hiding.
Andrew continued serving Catholics secretly despite the risk.
He celebrated Mass in hidden locations.
He heard confessions in secret.
He traveled cautiously to avoid arrest.
At any moment, discovery could have led to imprisonment or execution.
Yet he continued ministering faithfully to frightened Catholics who desperately needed spiritual support.
At one point during the persecution, Andrew was captured and brought dangerously close to execution.
According to historical accounts, he escaped death only narrowly.
The experience intensified his commitment to serving God completely.
Instead of retreating into fear, he returned to ministry with even greater determination.
After the Revolution, Andrew met Elizabeth Bichier des Ages.
Together, they recognized the desperate needs left behind after years of social upheaval:
Poor children without education
Families in poverty
Communities spiritually wounded by persecution
They decided to act.
Andrew and Elizabeth founded the Daughters of the Cross, a religious congregation dedicated to:
Teaching children
Serving the poor
Caring for the sick
Rebuilding Catholic faith in struggling communities
The congregation grew rapidly because the need was enormous.
Their mission brought practical help and spiritual renewal to many people devastated by revolution and instability.
Andrew was not known for dramatic speeches or political influence.
People remembered him for:
Humility
Kindness
Perseverance
Deep pastoral care
He remained devoted to ordinary people throughout his life.
Especially the poor and neglected.
Andrew Hubert Fournet died in 1834 after decades of faithful service.
But the congregation he helped establish continued expanding internationally.
His witness became a symbol of steadfast faith during persecution.
He was canonized in 1933 by Pius XI.
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His life offers powerful lessons:
Faith sometimes requires courage under pressure
Persecution can strengthen conviction rather than destroy it
Serving the poor is central to Christian life
God can transform weakness into holiness
Many Christians today may not face violent persecution, but they still encounter pressure to compromise their beliefs.
Andrew’s life reminds us:
Faithfulness matters even when costly.
His courage also speaks to anyone rebuilding after hardship, fear, or uncertainty.
He proved that renewal is possible—even after chaos and suffering.
Andrew Hubert Fournet lived during one of the most dangerous periods in Church history.
He was hunted.
Threatened.
Nearly executed.
Yet he continued serving faithfully.
And through that courage, he helped rebuild lives, restore faith, and inspire generations.
This May 13, his story asks a powerful question:
Would we remain faithful if practicing our faith suddenly became dangerous?
To know about more saints please visit the spiritual section.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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Saint Andrew Hubert Fournet, May 13 feast day saint, Catholic priests during French Revolution, French Catholic saints, founders of religious orders, Catholic saints biography, persecuted priests Catholic history, Daughters of the Cross founder
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