Born at La Rivière (Isère), September 8, 1826.
Taking of the habit at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, February 1, 1853.
Perpetual oblation at Montolivet, April 21, 1855. (no. 392bis)
Died at Montolivet, May 8, 1855.
Joseph Chambard was born at La Rivière in the diocese of Grenoble, September 8, 1826. He began his novitiate on February 1, 1853 at Notre-Dame de l’Osier where he pronounced his vows of one year in 1854. He then received his obedience for Notre-Dame de Lumières as gardner and immediately fell ill. Father Telmon, the superior, wrote to Father Aubert on February 4, 1855 that Brother Chambard who has been ill for a year now “is lost to the house. He is definitely a victim of pulmonary tuberculosis in an advanced stage.”
Sent to Montolivet, he made his perpetual oblation on April 21 and died May 8, 1855. Father Casimir Aubert, provincial of Midi, announced his passing in a brief circular letter sent to the Oblates. In it, he wrote that Brother Chambard “succumbed to tuberculosis from which he had been suffering for some time. He died fortified by all the assistance religion could bring and the consolations that religious life procures for those who always faithfully fulfilled their duties. In these last days when he had given up any hope of being healed, he prepared himself for his final passing in the most edifying way and especially by an unwavering patience amidst suffering.”
In the 1862-1863 Personnel, under the name of Brother Chambard, there is written: “Serene in character, solid prayer life and devoted, his prospects of rendering good service were promising.”
Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.
Sources
Oblate General Archives in Rome. Formulas for vows of one year at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, undated, and perpetual vows before Bishop de Mazenod at Montolivet on April 21, 1855; letter from Father Casimir Aubert to the Oblates, May 8, 1855: death.
