Blessed Arnold Reche

Also known as

Arnold Jules-Nicolas Rèche
Jules Reche
Julian-Nicolas Rèche
Nicholas-Jules Reche

Memorial

23 October

Profile

Son of Claude and Anne Flausset Reche, a poor family in a small village. His father was extremely religious shoemaker, his mother given to fits of depression over their impoverished condition, and Nicholas was one of nine children. He grew up with strong religious values and a fear of sin. Considered the only serious student in his cathechism class, he taught catechism to the younger children. However, when he moved to the Charlesville as a young adult, he began drifting to a more secular life.

Coachman for a wealthy family. Mule driver to a contractor building a local church. His aunt, who lived nearby, convinced him to make some changes; he began to attend classes conducted by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and Nicholas returned to a life of active and intense prayer. Joined the LaSalle Brothers in 1862 at age 28, taking the name Brother Arnold, and making his final vows in 1871.

Treated the wounded in the trenches during the Franco-Prussion War, and was awarded the bronze cross for his work. Taught at the Brothers boarding school at Rheims, France; noted as a mediocre teacher of classroom topics, but an outstanding teacher of Christian doctrine. Novice director for the congregation in 1877, a move that got him out of the class rooms where he felt he was a failure. Director general of the house at Courlancy from March 1890 till his death a few months later. The Cause for his canonization began in 1938.

Born

2 September 1838 at Landroff, Lorraine, France as Nicholas-Jules Reche

Died

23 October 1890 following a cerebral hemorrhage; buried in the public cemetery at Rheims; grave known as a site of miracles

Venerated

5 June 1986 by Pope John Paul II

Beatified

1 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II

Canonized

pending; if you have information relevant to the canonization of Blessed Arnold, contact:
   Communaute des Frères de Reims
   86 Rue de Courlancy
   51096 Reims, FRANCE

Additional Information

Lasallian Heritage
Saints Alive, by Father Robert McNamara

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Readings

I recommend to all of my brothers and sisters that they serve God faithfully. Granted, it is sometimes difficult to resist evil and remain virtuous. But with the grace of God that we obtain from prayer we can do anything. All we have to do is to will it.

- Blessed Arnold Reche

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God, it is your word spoken to us in our midst,
which binds us to those who have gone before us
and to those who are yet to be born.

We do not stand alone, but in a history,
with men and women like ourselves
who have heard your word
and said "Yes" to your call.

It is you who give us power to hear
when you speak to us,
it is you who make it possible for us
to speak to you in return.

May we always welcome the word which you send us
and give it flesh in our lives
that those who come after us
may learn the message of your love
from what we do and say.

All glory to to you, God, now and evermore!

- Blessed Arnold Reche

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