l'Abbé Pierre - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Real name: Henri Marie Joseph Grouès, l'Abbé Pierre was born on August 5, 1912, in Lyon, France.
- 2. Early life: He was raised in a wealthy family and initially pursued a career in the military before changing course and becoming a Catholic priest.
- 3. Social activism: L'Abbé Pierre is best known for his tireless work in advocating for the poor and homeless. He founded the Emmaus movement in 1949, which aimed to provide housing, food, and support for those in need.
- 4. Resistance during WWII: During the German occupation of France in World War II, l'Abbé Pierre was active in the French Resistance, helping to smuggle Jewish children to safety and providing support to those in need.
- 5. Political career: In addition to his humanitarian work, l'Abbé Pierre also served as a member of the French National Assembly from 1945 to 1951.
- 6. International recognition: His work with the Emmaus movement gained international recognition, and l'Abbé Pierre was awarded numerous honors and awards for his dedication to social justice and humanitarian causes.
- 7. Legacy: L'Abbé Pierre's legacy continues to inspire people around the world to work towards ending poverty and homelessness. The Emmaus movement has grown to encompass over 350 communities in 37 countries.
- 8. Public figure: L'Abbé Pierre was known for his charismatic and passionate public speaking, often using his platform to raise awareness about social issues and call for action.
- 9. Personal struggles: Despite his public image as a tireless advocate for the poor, l'Abbé Pierre also faced personal struggles, including bouts of depression and feelings of inadequacy.
- 10. Death and impact: L'Abbé Pierre passed away on January 22, 2007, at the age of 94. His death was mourned by people around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps and work towards a more just and compassionate society.