Jean-Bernard Rousseau

In 1833, Brother Scubilion volunteered for Bourbon Island (Reunion). Arriving in July 1833, he dedicated 34 years of his life to the instruction and evangelization of the slaves. In Saint-Benoît and Saint-Paul, he defended mistreated slaves, notably Biney. In Saint-Leu, he organized evening classes for the slaves, preparing more than a thousand for baptism. During the abolition of slavery in 1848, his moral influence allowed for a peaceful transition. He continued his work in La Possession and then in Sainte-Marie, where he passed away on April 13, 1867.

Considered a saint from the moment of his death, his cause for beatification opened at the beginning of the 20th century with informative trials in Saint-Denis-de-La Réunion (1902-1905) and Marseille (1904-1905). His writings were declared compliant in 1912. The cause was formally introduced in Rome in 1981. Pope John Paul II declared him Venerable on June 9, 1984, by promulgating the decree on the heroic nature of his virtues, and subsequently signed the decree approving a miracle of healing on May 8, 1987.

Brother Scubilion was beatified on May 2, 1989, by Pope John Paul II in Saint-Denis, Reunion Island, during his apostolic journey. This historic ceremony brought together approximately 150,000 faithful. It was on this occasion that the Pope pronounced his famous appeal in Creole: "Créole, rest' pas dan' fénoir, viens dans la lumière" (Creole, do not stay in the darkness, come into the light). He is honored today with the status of Blessed.

The spirituality of Brother Scubilion is based on humility, obedience, and a love for the education of the poor, recognizing the dignity of a child of God in every slave. His tomb in Sainte-Marie is a place of permanent pilgrimage. Patron of the island's catechists and teachers, his memory is celebrated on April 13 (Roman Martyrology), September 27 (De La Salle Brothers), and December 20 (Reunion, day of the abolition of slavery).