Étienne Pernet

On July 17, 1865, Father Étienne Pernet founded the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Assumption with Antoinette Fage (Mother Marie de Jésus) in Paris. The religious sisters served as free home-nursing caregivers for the poor to preserve the unity of households. His life was marked by historical events: he was a theologian at the First Vatican Council in 1870, a military chaplain during the Franco-Prussian War (imprisoned in Metz), and arrested by the Communards during the Paris Commune in 1871. He established the motherhouse at 57 Rue Violet in Paris. The work expanded to Perpignan (1878), England (1880), the United States (1891), and Rome (1896). In 1896, he was received by Pope Leo XIII, and the congregation received its decree of approval on April 2, 1897.

After the death of Father Étienne Pernet on April 3, 1899, his reputation for holiness spread widely. A diocesan process for his beatification was opened in Paris, and the file was subsequently transmitted to Rome. His cause was officially introduced in 1931. On May 14, 1983, Pope John Paul II signed the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, thereby conferring upon him the title of Venerable.

Father Étienne Pernet is currently recognized as Venerable by the Catholic Church. The process for his beatification continues, awaiting the official recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession. In accordance with the rules of historical rigor, no specific miracle is detailed here in the absence of primary official sources confirming the identity or the precise circumstances of a healing.

The spirituality of Father Étienne Pernet is based on concrete action and self-effacement, summarized by his famous motto: "Few words, many deeds!". For him, caring for the body allows one to touch souls and rebuild the unity of hearts in charity. Today, the Little Sisters of the Assumption continue his work among marginalized families on several continents. In Paris, the Place Étienne-Pernet in the 15th arrondissement honors his memory. He rests alongside Antoinette Fage in the chapel of the motherhouse, on Rue Violet.