François-Mathurin Gourvès facts for kids
Quick facts for kids François-Mathurin Gourvès |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Vannes | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Vannes |
| Enthroned | 16 November 1991 |
| Reign ended | 16 October 2005 |
| Predecessor | Pierre Boussard |
| Successor | Raymond Centène |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 6 April 1953 |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Mathurin Gourvès |
| Born | 17 June 1929 Plougastel-Daoulas, France |
| Died | 12 August 2020 (aged 91) Sainte-Anne-d'Auray, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Coat of arms |  |
François-Mathurin Gourvès (born June 17, 1929 – died August 12, 2020) was an important French leader in the Catholic Church. He was a bishop, which is a high-ranking priest who oversees a group of churches called a diocese. Bishop Gourvès led the Diocese of Vannes from 1991 to 2005. After that, he was known as Bishop Emeritus until he passed away.
Contents
The Life of Bishop Gourvès
Early Life and Education
François-Mathurin Gourvès was born as Mathurin Gourvès on June 17, 1929. His parents, François and Geneviève Gourvès, were farmers. He grew up in a town called Plougastel-Daoulas in France.
After finishing his early studies, he went to a special school called Sciences Po. He then continued his training to become a priest at the Grand Séminaire in Quimper. He also studied at famous universities in Rome and Paris, where he earned a degree in theology. Theology is the study of religious faith and practice.
Becoming a Priest
On April 6, 1953, Mathurin Gourvès became a priest. This important event happened in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Quimper. After his ordination, he worked as a vicar in a town called Landerneau. A vicar is a priest who helps the main priest in a church.
From 1957 to 1967, he became a special chaplain for the Young Christian Workers. This group helps young people learn about their faith and how to live it in their daily lives. Later, in 1969, he moved to work at the Saint-Sauveur church in Brest until 1975.
Leading the Diocese of Vannes
On February 24, 1991, Mathurin Gourvès was chosen to be the Bishop of Vannes. When he became a bishop, he added the name François to his first name. He officially started his role as Bishop of Vannes on November 16, 1991. He took over from Pierre Boussard, who was actually the same person who had ordained him as a priest many years before.
In 1996, Bishop Gourvès helped connect many church radio stations, including Radio chrétienne francophone. These stations share Christian messages and music with listeners.
Meeting Pope John Paul II
A very special event happened in 1996 when Bishop Gourvès was leading the diocese. He was there to welcome Pope John Paul II to Brittany, a region in France. This was a historic moment because Pope John Paul II was the first Pope ever to visit Brittany.
The Pope gave an important speech in Sainte-Anne-d'Auray. This place is believed to be where Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus Christ, appeared. The Pope's visit and speech marked his 27th year as the leader of the Catholic Church. It also happened one year before World Youth Day was held in France.
Later Years
In 2005, Bishop Gourvès retired from his role as Bishop of Vannes. His successor, Raymond Centène, took over the leadership of the diocese. After retiring, Bishop Gourvès moved back to his hometown of Plougastel-Daoulas.
Later, in 2015, he moved to Sainte-Anne-d'Auray. François-Mathurin Gourvès passed away in Sainte-Anne-d'Auray on August 12, 2020, at the age of 91.
