Records Relating to Local Administration France... | Saint Michael's College Archives & Special Collections

From 1975-1980, the Society of Saint Edmund saw a minor resurgence within France.  In 1970, Rev. Philippe Simmonet transferred from Joigny to Tonnerre, where he took up residence with the Diocesan priests of the region.  There he met Rev. Daniel Rousseau, who was attracted to the communal life.  He and others became interested in the original mission of the founders of the Society, which had been to rekindle the Catholic faith in the area.  Rev. Rousseau was joined by Pierre Dauvissat, who began his novitiate on June 15, 1975 with Jean Tribut, who had already begun his studies at seminary in Paris.  In April 1978, Rousseau and Tribut made their profession into the Society of Saint Edmund, signing the same register signed first in Pontigny in 1852.  The first profession of Pierre Dauvissat and Jean Luc Guilbert followed in September 1978.  Soon, Rev. Francis Gokey traveled to France to oversee the new foundations.  In early 1980, the new foundation had two novices, three seminarians and three priests, including Rev. Simmonet, who served as director of the Community. By 1981, it became apparent that there were a series of problems within the French community and between it and the General Administration.  By May, the New Foundation had essentially disbanded—the priests had been incardinated into the diocese, the few remaining novices who wished to continue were discouraged, and Simmonet was given duties in the Diocese while remaining a professed member of the Society. The correspondence that makes up the bulk of this series provides many details of the New Foundation.  Also included are some details on the ceremonies of professions, details about the individuals, as well as copies of publications they created.  Most materials were translated at the time they were received; the original and the translations are filed together in chronological order.