French Priest And Homeless Advocate Dies At 94

[The Straight Story]

French Priest And Homeless Advocate Dies At 94



PARIS (AP) -- Abbe Pierre, a French priest renowned for devoting his life to helping the homeless, using prayer and provocation to tackle misery, has died at the age of 94.

The founder of the international Emmaus Community for the poor, Abbe Pierre served as France's conscience since the 1950s when he persuaded parliament to pass a law forbidding landlords to expel tenants during winter months.

A former monk, Resistance fighter and parliamentarian, Abbe Pierre long remained spry and determined despite the infirmities of old age. Last year, he spoke to parliament from his wheelchair, urging lawmakers not to reform a law on low-income housing.

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=40536

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

1. Jaques Chirac will speak at his funeral.

News of the death of Abbe Pierre was the top story for every newspaper in France on Tuesday. His memorial will be enormous, and terribly moving.

In the bitterly cold winter of 1954, on the radio, he exhorted the French people to take the homeless into their own abodes, and started a national movement that eventually became law. A man truly loved and respected, perhaps the most admired man in the country.

Peace, Padre, the long day is over.

[Jcrowley]

2. K&R n/t

[Blue_Tires]

3. TTT n/t

[nam78_two]

4. K&R.nt

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

5. I remember my Dad's motto: "A Dios rogando y con el mazo dando."

Seems this remarkable gentleman followed it to the tee. He was 2 years his elder. :thumbsup:

[The Straight Story]

6. I say that all the time :)

I just re-arrange the letters a tad bit so I can pronounce it ;)