Vavasseur, from Bourbon, and M. Tisserand, from Santo Domingo, both of whom were filled with zeal for the evangelization of the poor ex-slaves of those islands. Libermann suffered from epileptic seizures, which prevented his ordination for nearly fifteen years. It was only when these seizures ceased in 1841 that he was able to become a priest. After his ordination, Libermann created the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary centered around missionary activity towards newly freed slaves in Réunion, Haiti, and Mauritius. As this group attracted more members, the Holy See merged his society with the older Congregation of the Holy Spirit, otherwise known as "Spiritans". Due to this event, Libermann is often referred to as the "Second Founder" of the Spiritans. Although, Fr. Libermann himself never went overseas, he recruited and educated missionaries going to Africa, both lay and clerical. He exhausted himself in the process of leading his great enterprise, and died on 2 February 1852 before his 50th birthday. Legacy He was declared venerable by Pope Pius IX in 1876. His letters, hundreds of which survive, are frequently used as a guide in the devotional life. Fr. Libermann was a pioneer of strategies now recognized as a blueprint for modern missionary activity. He urged the Spiritans to "become one with the people" so that each group received and understood the Gospel in the context of their own traditions. Francis Libermann Catholic High School in Toronto and Collège Libermann in Douala (Cameroon) are named in his honor. Gallery References Bibliography External links A newsletter about Fr. Libermann written by the Hebrew Catholic Association. The Life of Fr. Libermann as told in articles by the Spiritans. The Provisional Rule of the Missionaries of the Holy Heart of Mary, written by Libermann. Jesus through Jewish Eyes Volume 1, Commentary on John's Gospel Libermann, a convert from Judaism. Jesus through Jewish Eyes Volume 2. Jesus through Jewish Eyes Volume 2. 1802 births 1852 deaths 19th-century French Roman Catholic priests 19th-century venerated Christians Alsatian Jews Converts to Roman Catholicism from Judaism Founders of Catholic religious communities 19th-century French Jews Holy Ghost Fathers People from Saverne People with epilepsy Venerated Catholics