an authority

Dehon's lectures in Rome 1897-1900

In the years 1897-1900 Leo Dehon gave several lectures in Rome on the social questions, on christian democracy and on the mission of the Third Order of St. Francis. These 9 lectureswould be published in 1900 under the title 'The Christian social renewal'. The lectures, the last three given years apart from the first, mark both the culmination and the decline of Dehon's public commitment within international social Catholicism. Here two contemporary voices announce Dehon's lectures and describe the personal impression Leo Dehon made.

'La Voce della verità' (The voice of truth), the organ of the Roman society for catholic interests announces the lectures in 1897 as follows:
"Fr. Dehon is an important master of social studies, and his strong and effective words are very well received wherever he speaks. His authority in the matter makes him a desired orator of the Catholic congresses in France. This is incontestably testified by his outstanding 'Manuel social chrétien' [christian social manuel/handbook], approved by numerous bishops. Within a short time a fourth edition with over 13,000 copies" (La Voce della Verità, 10./11.01.1897)

The impression Dehon made on his listeners is described by an eye-witness, Mgr. Prunel, vice-director of the Institut Catholique of Paris:
"Upon entering the hall it was obvious to us that the clergy and the upper classes of Rome were intensely interested. Three cardinals were present, several bishops, the Procurer of Saint-Sulpice, the French Seminary...
The speaker's appearance was greeted by applause from the audience. Tall, thin, strong and vital, there was something of a soldier in his bearing and gait. He had a broad forehead, piercing eyes, prominent nose; he showed determination along with great self-control. He might have been fifty years old, but he bore his age gracefully... He reminded one of a boxer fighting his opponent unmercifully, of a man demolishing a wall with a pick-axe... More and more he captivated his audience... He gave a long exposition of social principles, supporting his statements with innumerable quotations. Everybody noted the master 'in utroque'..." (Jean Dorval [=Msgr. Prunel], L'Eternelle Conquerante, Paris 1925, p. 148s; quoted in Prélot, L'Oeuvre sociale, p. 229 and in Dorrestijn, Leo John Dehon, p. 156)

Not everybody shared this appreciation of Dehon's lectures...