Blessed Louisantoinerose Ormières Lacase

Blessed

Post-Congregation

Feast Day: 16-Jan

Born: 14 July 1809 in Quillan, Aude, France

Died: 16 January 1890 in Gijon, Asturias, Spain of natural causes; relics enshrined in the mother-house of the Guardian Angel Sisters in Montauban, France

Beatified: 22 April 2017 by Pope Francis; the beatification miracle involved the cure from maxillofacial cancer of one of the Spanish sisters of the Guardian Angel; the beatification recognition was celebrated in Oviedo, Spain by Cardinal Angelo Amato

Venerated: 8 March 1997 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)

Biography

Blessed Louisantoinerose Ormières Lacase, also known as Father Lacase, was born on 14 July 1809 in Quillan, Aude, France. He dedicated his life to the service of God and was ordained as a priest in the diocese of Carcassonne, France on 21 December 1833.

During his studies, Father Lacase displayed exceptional intelligence and a deep devotion to his faith. Despite being a student, he was appointed as a professor in his seminary, where he influenced and nurtured the spiritual growth of many aspiring priests.

Father Lacase was greatly troubled by the destruction of parish schools during the anti-Christian persecutions of the French Revolution. Motivated by the desire to revive education rooted in Christian values, he founded the Congregation of the Guardian Angel Sisters. This teaching order aimed to restore and establish parish schools, providing children with a solid education while instilling in them a strong Catholic faith.

The Guardian Angel Sisters quickly grew in numbers and spread across different regions, tirelessly working to establish parish schools and offer quality education to children who had been deprived of such opportunities. Father Lacase's visionary leadership and unwavering dedication were instrumental in the success of this mission.

On 16 January 1890, Father Lacase passed away in Gijon, Asturias, Spain, due to natural causes. His relics were enshrined in the mother-house of the Guardian Angel Sisters in Montauban, France, where they became a place of veneration and pilgrimage.

Father Lacase's life and virtuous actions were recognized by the Catholic Church. On 8 March 1997, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable, recognizing his heroic virtues. Then, on 22 April 2017, Pope Francis beatified him, signifying his elevation to the ranks of the blessed. The beatification ceremony took place in Oviedo, Spain, led by Cardinal Angelo Amato. The beatification miracle that attributed to Father Lacase involved the healing of a Spanish sister of the Guardian Angel congregation from maxillofacial cancer.

Blessed Louisantoinerose Ormières Lacase, with his commitment to education and faith, continues to inspire countless people around the world. His legacy lives on in the ongoing work of the Guardian Angel Sisters, who carry forward his mission of providing educational opportunities rooted in Christian values.