Louis Querbes was a 19th-century French Catholic priest who dedicated his life to education. Born in Lyon in 1793, he was ordained in 1816 and eventually served as the pastor of Saint-Bonnet in Vourles. To address the lack of educational resources following the French Revolution, he established a training school for lay teachers and founded the Clerics of Saint Viator in 1831. This religious order, which focuses on teaching, grew rapidly under his guidance and eventually expanded to include missions in Quebec.
Life and work
After studying at the seminary of St. Irenaeus, Querbes served the parish of Saint-Nizier before moving to Vourles in 1822. There, he organized an association of catechists to provide religious instruction to children. His efforts led to the creation of the Clerics of Saint Viator, an order named after the local saint Viator. The community managed various educational institutions, including schools for the deaf and agricultural colleges, and even sent teachers to Montreal.
Veneration
Querbes is recognized as a venerable in the Catholic Church. In October 2019, Pope Francis authorized a decree recognizing his heroic virtues, which moved his cause toward beatification. His religious order continues to operate worldwide, maintaining his commitment to teaching. Several educational facilities and a park in Joliette, Quebec, are named in his honor to commemorate his impact on education.