Benildo Romançon (†1862)

Biography

At the age of 14 he tried to enter the novitiate of Clermont with the brothers of the Christian Schools, but was rejected. Two years later, he applied again and was accepted. Since then, although he never shone intellectually, he walked with giant steps along the paths of the spirit. His apostolate was developed for 20 years in various modest schools in the Clermont-Ferrand region. He fulfilled his daily duty perfectly, without attracting attention and sowed simplicity and joy in his surroundings. In 1842 he was appointed director of Sauges, a small and humble school. Brother Benildo insisted on teaching those good villagers something more important than reading and writing: to be free men in life and to be educated and virtuous Christians. For 41 years he worked in that forgotten corner of the world and gained a reputation for being demanding and determined that students make good use of their time. He was, however, admired for his justice, for his kindness and, above all, for his immeasurable dedication and his ability to forgive. He died piously on August 13, 1862, and at his funeral there was present an immense crowd of people whom he had known how to guide and educate, as well as hundreds of brothers and priests whom he guided and encouraged in their vocation.