Dom Denis Chambault, Pray for Us
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." -- Psalm 116:15. Dom Denis Chambault was translated to glory on May 3, 1963. As Superior of d’Alleray Priory in Paris, Dom Denis (formerly "Lucien") cared for all the souls who came seeking advice or his charismatic gifts. (He was "an acknowledged healer" for the last 17 years of his life.) In addition to maintaining the traditional Benedictine life and hours, he served the ancient Roman rite Liturgy of St. Gregory (the so-called "Tridentine Mass"). His devotion and reputation attracted a following throughout the French capital, and he remains today an uncanonized saint.
Although a Frechman, this holy man played a pivotal role in the development of the Western Rite in North America -- a work that continues today. After having visited Dom Denis during a trip to Europe, current Vicar-General of the Antiochian Western Rite Vicariate Fr. Paul Schneirla was so impressed by the beauty of these services that he inquired about the Antiochian Patriarchate's view of the Western Rite. Metropolitan ANTHONY (Bashir)'s letter asking for elucidation reached the patriarch. To Fr. Schneirla's joyful surprise, the patriarch immediatley authorized the Western Rite.
The AWRV and Christminster Monastery carry on in the spirit of Dom Denis, and all his children happily commemorate him today. Until he takes his place among the saints connected to the Western Rite, may he ever intercede for us. Ora pro nobis!
Labels: saints (uncanonized), WR History
posted by Ben Johnson at 12:01 AM
3 Comments:
Ben, you got there befoe I could. I guess I'll just put a link to your site. Thank you! And a blessed feast of Holy Relics and commemoration of Dom Denis!
Are there any published accounts of this holy man's life? I knew very little about him, but the more I find out, the more thirsty I become to learn more.
His life needs to be better known, so that our Orthodox brethren can know that Western Orthodox saints exist even today. This will also provide much encouragement to our Western Rite communities, especially on this side of the Atlantic.
May his canonization happen speedily. Grant it, O Lord!
Subdn. Thomas, I wish I knew of a full account of his life. Anyone have more information?
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