Jean Berthier MS as the Model of a French Preacher in the Second Half of the 19th Century

Abstract

The Second Vatican Council drew attention to the importance of proclaiming the Word of God during liturgy. A search for models for sermons started, which would have all properties of a good homiletic sermon. An example of such a sermon were those delivered by Father Jean Berthier MS. A Frenchman born around the mid-19th century, he was a model of a folk missionary for the clergy of that time and a model of retreat preacher. His inspiration lay in the Holy Bible and the teaching of the Church Fathers supported by examples taken from the lives of saints. He drew upon great orators but he did not attach much importance to the principles of rhetoric and decorous language. In his sermons he raised mainly subjects connected with morality. He called upon people to mend their ways, reminding them about eternal life. His sermons were simple and easy to understand, even for uneducated listeners. He brought his sermons to perfection, both intellectually and spiritually.