09 December - Pierre Fourier was born on 30 November 1565 in Mirecourt. Born into a Christian family, he was the first of his parents' three children. Pierre strictly followed the education he received, namely piety, obedience, gentleness and flight from lies.
At the age of fifteen, his father took him to the University of Pont-à-Mousson, where his teachers declared that when Pierre Fourier did not study, he prayed. He joined the canons regular of Saint-Augustin. He was called upon to reform the order, which had been somewhat decadent. After studying theology for six years, he went to the monastery. His enthusiasm seemed to disturb his confrères, so he was withdrawn from the monastery and agreed to work in the parish of Mattaincourt, where people were also reluctant to receive him. But because of his love for God and his neighbour, he zealously took up his duties.
Pierre Fourier saved not only the soul, but also the body. He helped the needy Christians in his parish, he encouraged them in their distress, conflicts and the protection of their interests. And to make this last, he created the "Bourse Sainte-œuvre". Throughout the night, Pierre Fourier stays at the bedside, lending his blanket, sheets, mattress and even his bed. One Easter day, a poor soldier came to him, gave him something to eat, and this poor man said: "I am happy, I pray to the good Lord, for the glory of the Church, that all priests be like you". Pierre Fourier also had a special love for children, he realized that teaching and education were not enough, so he founded the Congregation of the Mistresses, which was dedicated to teaching. The congregation was to be called the "Order of the Canonesses of Saint Augustine Notre-Dame".
Pierre Fourier's work also affected Richelieu's administration, and he sent him into exile in Franche-Compté, where he remained for the last four years of his life. During this time, Mattaincourt was frequently plundered. He fled to Gray and continued his charitable work, saving and encouraging people. In October 1639 he fell ill. Two months later, as the moment of his death approached, he repeated, "We have a good Master and a good Queen." Pierre Fourier died on 9 December 1640.
