Fr. Jacques Sevin – a new step towards beatification
WOSM welcomes the recent vote of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints on the heroic virtues of Father Jacques Sevin (1882 - 1951), pioneer of extending Scouting to members of the Catholic faith, and the co-founder of Scouts de France. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints oversees the process that leads to the canonization of saints passing through the steps of a declaration of "heroic virtues" and beatification. The status of "venerable" is likely be given in late June, when the Pope will authorize the issuance of the decree recognizing the 'heroic virtues' of Jacques Sevin.
Jacques Sevin made a landmark contribution to the Scout Movement through the founding of Scouts de France in 1920 (which has evolved to become the current Scouts et Guides de France – SGDF) and worked within the Movement throughout his life. The legacy he has left, deeply rooted in faith, is still widely taught and used in Scouting.
Since his meeting with the founder of the Scout Movement, Baden-Powell (BP), in 1913, Jacques Sevin has been constantly perpetrating the values of BP. With one foot deeply rooted in faith and the other into Scouting, he promoted the Movement as most useful for anyone who aspires, to the elevation of one’s mind, and a balance between the intellectual, and empirical, daily actions. He was committed to his objective of building strong ties between holiness and the spirit of Scouting.
Rewriting the basic texts of Baden-Powell into French, he showed unconditional devotion to the Movement. His works further amplified the popularity of Baden-Powell’s teachings to which he added a heightened tendency for the purity of the verb, giving great attention and detail to the importance of words and their effect on the reader, creating a feeling of complete dedication to Scouting and its absolute master: Baden-Powell.
For all the reasons mentioned above, all of us, members of WOSM, are proud to be able to expect a forthcoming beatification of the "Servant of God" and are extremely grateful to the Church for the consideration it has given to his career dedicated to the unwavering faith. We join in this moment to celebrate together with all his followers from, both within Scouting, and outside.
The verdict from the Vatican is expected in June this year and at that time we will bring you further updates on Jacques Sevin’s beatification.
Click here to know more about Jacques Sevin.
Acknowledgements:
Mère Madelaine Bourcereau, Sœurs de la Sainte Croix de Jérusalem
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