Bougaud fut un prédicateur et un écrivain influent, distingué par son appréciation des pensées et des actes nobles, sa profonde compassion pour la souffrance humaine et son grand pouvoir de réflexion. Dans son apologétique, il a fait preuve d'une profonde sympathie pour son époque et d'un espoir inébranlable dans le triomphe de l'Église. Son objectif était d'adapter les explications de la doctrine, des préceptes et de l'organisation catholiques aux aspirations morales et intellectuelles de ses contemporains sans compromettre le dogme. Son héritage littéraire réside dans sa capacité à jeter un pont entre la foi et la pensée moderne.
This biography tells the story of St. Vincent de Paul, a French Catholic priest who founded two important religious orders in the 17th century. With meticulous scholarship and deep understanding of the religious context of his subject, Emile Bougaud offers readers an insightful and engaging portrait of this fascinating figure from church history.
Father Brady's translation of Bougaud's Life of Saint Vincent de Paul offers English readers a valuable insight into the life of this significant figure. While a more extensive biography by Abelly exists, along with a vast collection of Vincent's correspondence, Bougaud's work stands out for its accessibility and relevance to modern readers. He skillfully balances detail and brevity, ensuring the narrative remains engaging without overwhelming those less inclined to delve into exhaustive detail. Bougaud's biographies, including those of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal and Saint Monica, are recognized as literary masterpieces, and this translation adds a noteworthy contribution to English religious literature. The timing of this publication is particularly pertinent, as it aligns with the current call for societal reform and the elevation of the priesthood within the Church. This dual mission resonates with educated Catholics and is a central theme of Papal encyclicals and synodal decrees. The work emphasizes the responsibility of the Church today, highlighting the importance of these efforts for the future influence of Catholics on society. Forgotten Books is dedicated to preserving historical works, ensuring that this important biography remains accessible while maintaining the integrity of the original text.