Jean Baptiste Massillon

Jean Baptiste Massillon (1663-1742) was a celebrated French pulpit orator, born at Hières, in Provence. He entered the congregation of the Oratory, and became so celebrated for his eloquence that he was called to Paris, where he gathered round him hearers in crowds. Bourdaloue, when he heard him, said, "He must increase, but I must decrease," and Louis XIV said to him, "When I hear others preach I go away much pleased with them, but when I hear you I feel displeased with myself". He was made bishop of Clermont, and next year preached before Louis XV, now king, his famous "Petit Carême," a series of ten sermons for Lent. He was a devoted bishop, and the idol of his flock. His style was perfect, and his eloquence was winning, and went home to the heart.

Nearby pages
Jean Baptiste Rousseau, Jean Baptiste the marshal, Jean Bart, Jean Batten, Jean Baudrillard, Jean Bernadotte