Soulerin, Jean Mathieu

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SOULERIN, JEAN MATHIEU

Founder of the University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada; b. Ailhon, Ardèche, France, June 6, 1807; d. Annonay, Ardèche, Oct. 17, 1879. Educated at the Basilian College in Annonay, he joined the Congregation of Priests of St. Basil in the first decade of its history and was ordained Dec. 20, 1834. While serving as director of the College at Annonay, he was chosen in 1852 to head a mission band of five sent to Canada to found a school at Toronto that has since grown into the University of St. Michael's College. He also established St. Basil's parish and a novitiate in Toronto. Elected superior general of the Basilian Fathers in 1865, he returned to France and in 1878 published the French text of the constitutions of his congregation. During his years as superior general the Congregation of St. Basil reached its peak in France, and developed rapidly in America.

Bibliography: l. k. shook, "St. Michael's College: The Formative Years, 18501853," Canadian Catholic Historical Association, Report 1950 (Ottawa 1950) 3752.

[r. j. scollard]