Blessed Hyacinthmarie Cormier

Biography

Blessed Hyacinth-Marie Cormier, also known as Louis-Stanislas-Henri Cormier, was born on 8 December 1832 in Orléans, Loiret, France as Henri Cormier Bracquemond. Born into a family of wealthy merchants, he experienced early loss as his father, Fran√ßois-Bernard Cormier, passed away when Henri was just a small boy, followed by the death of his brother. Fortunately, his uncle, a parish priest, played an instrumental role in raising him.

Henri's educational journey began with studying at home, and later he joined the Christian Brothers for further education. At the age of 13, he entered the minor seminary in the diocese of Orléans, France. This marked the beginning of his path towards priesthood. Despite his young age, he demonstrated great talent and devotion, even mastering the flageolet, organ, and ophicleide, earning praise for his musical abilities, especially from renowned composer Franz Liszt.

While in seminary, Henri became a Dominican tertiary, deepening his commitment to the Dominican Order. Graduating at the top of his class, he received ordination on 17 May 1856, obtaining a special dispensation due to being technically too young. Embracing his Dominican vocation, he took the name Hyacinthe-Marie, receiving the Dominican habit on 29 June 1856.

Throughout his life, Hyacinthe-Marie Cormier struggled with recurring hemorrhaging, which caused concern among those around him. Despite this, he continued his studies and made his profession on 23 May 1859. Much to everyone's surprise, he made a remarkable recovery shortly after, defying expectations. This marked the beginning of his active involvement within the Dominican Order and his various communities.

Hyacinthe-Marie became well-known as a confessor and teacher due to his wisdom and understanding. His dedication to the Order led him to write numerous texts throughout his life, with a total of 171 works attributed to him. He served as a Master of novices, and in 1863, he became the Prior of the convent of Corbara in Corsica, France. From 1865 to 1874, he held the position of Prior-Provincial of Toulouse, France, and subsequently served as Prior of the Dominican community in Marseilles, France. Later, he held the position of Prior-Provincial again from 1878 to 1888. In 1891, he served as Definitor of the Dominican General Chapter of Lyons, France.

Hyacinthe-Marie Cormier's dedication to the Dominican Order extended beyond the borders of France. He worked as the Procurator of the Dominicans, based in Rome, Italy, and played a crucial role in the reorganization of what ultimately became the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. His efforts in expanding the Order into the western United States were notable, as he restored several suppressed Dominican provinces.

An influential and charismatic preacher, Hyacinthe-Marie worked passionately for the beatification of several blessed individuals, including Blessed Reginald of Orléans, Blessed Bertrand Garrigue, Blessed Raymond of Capua, and Blessed Andrew Abellon. His contributions to the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena of Auch led to the founding of the congregation.

On 21 May 1904, Hyacinthe-Marie Cormier was elected as the 76th Master of the Dominicans, a position he held until 1916. During this time, he succeeded in restoring many provinces within the Dominican Order. In retirement, he sought a life of prayer and contemplation as a monk, residing at the priory of the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome.

Blessed Hyacinthe-Marie Cormier passed away on 17 December 1916, at the age of 84, at the priory of the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome, Italy. He died of natural causes, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of holiness and service to the Dominican Order. He was interred at the church of San Domenico e San Sisto at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Rome, in December 1934.

Recognized for his exemplary virtue, Pope John Paul II declared the heroic virtues of Hyacinthe-Marie Cormier on 14 May 1983, and he was beatified on 20 November 1994, both occasions commemorating his outstanding sanctity and contributions to the Church.