Biography of Fr. Louis–Marie Leveil, S.J.
At the outset, one is drawn to imagine the personality of Fr. Louis-Marie Leveil—a simple missionary priest clothed in a white cassock, girdled with a red sash, carrying his breviary close to his heart and a rosary in his hand.
He owned neither car nor bicycle. At times he used a bullock cart, but most often he preferred walking long distances in simple slippers, indifferent to heat and hardship, wholly dedicated to fulfilling his mission in the Marava land—his chosen vineyard of the Lord.
In his later years, he appeared frail, slightly bent, with a sunburnt face and rough beard, yet his face radiated kindness through his bright, gentle eyes. Whoever encountered him saw in him a reflection of the goodness, mercy, and love of Christ. Like his Master, he went about doing good.
Even decades after his death, he is remembered vividly. Many living witnesses testify to his sanctity and to the favors received through his prayers. To this day, people gather at his tomb with petitions, and he is widely acclaimed as a saint.
Early Childhood
Louis-Marie Leveil was born on 6 April 1884 at Laille, in the Diocese of Rennes, France. Being frail at birth, he was baptized the very same day. He was the youngest of ten children and grew up in a peaceful farming family deeply rooted in faith.
One of his earliest memories was the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary—the Miraculous Medal—placed near his bed. This devotion remained with him throughout his life.
For his priestly Golden Jubilee in 1970, he chose the same image as a souvenir, with the inscription:
“As a small child, when I awoke each morning, my gaze fell first upon the Virgin with rays… never doubting that she would guide me to her divine Son for time and eternity.”
A Loving and Faith-filled Family
Fr. Leveil’s parents were exemplary in virtue. The family lived a life of simplicity, unity, and prayer. Despite suffering—including the early loss of siblings and the death of his father—faith remained their strength.
He recalled his father’s final words, urging the children to respect their mother and live in unity. Their mother, whom he called “the admirable mother,” was a woman of deep faith, hospitality, and courage.
Evening family prayer was central to their life—an experience that deeply shaped his spiritual foundation.
Call to Priesthood
From a young age, Louis was influenced by his sister Victoire, who encouraged him toward priesthood. At the age of 14, he experienced an inner call expressed in the words:
“Louis, Priest?!”
This marked the beginning of his discernment. With perseverance, he pursued studies and entered the seminary at Rennes in 1904.
Missionary Calling to India
Inspired by a Jesuit missionary’s talk on the Madura Mission, he felt a strong attraction toward missionary life. He fervently prayed and expressed his desire:
“I desire ardently the mission of India… to live and die there.”
He entered the Jesuit Novitiate in Belgium in 1906. In 1908, he left for India, entrusting himself to Our Lady’s protection at Lourdes.
He arrived in India on 14 October 1908 and began formation at Shembaganoor.
Priestly Ordination and Mission
He was ordained a priest on 13 January 1920 in Kurseong. Returning to the Madura Mission in 1921, he dedicated his entire life to the people of the drought-stricken Ramnad (Marava) region.
Inspired by missionaries like St. Francis Xavier and St. John de Britto, he embraced a life of total self-giving among the poor.
Mission at Andavoorani (1921–1943)
Serving a vast mission with nearly 70 villages, he travelled mostly on foot under extreme conditions. He cared for the sick, instructed the faithful, and strengthened communities.
He built churches, beginning with a large church at Andavoorani (1928), dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy. He also promoted education, inviting religious sisters and establishing schools and orphanages.
Apostle of Charity
During epidemics like cholera, he risked his life to care for the sick and bury the dead. His compassion transcended religious boundaries—serving Christians and non-Christians alike.
Mission at Ramnad (1943–1956)
Despite age and exhaustion, he continued tirelessly. He served coastal villages, established schools, libraries, and social initiatives, and supported the poor—especially fishermen.
His life reflected heroic charity, endurance, and pastoral zeal.
Final Years at Sarugani (1956–1973)
In Sarugani, he served as spiritual director and confessor. Despite age, he remained active in ministry—celebrating Mass, visiting villages, and guiding souls.
He lived in radical poverty, owning nothing, fully dependent on God. His life was marked by intense prayer, especially before the Blessed Sacrament.
Golden Jubilee (1970)
His priestly Golden Jubilee was celebrated with great joy. His niece from France attended, witnessing firsthand the love and reverence the people had for him.
Holy Death (21 March 1973)
Foreseeing his death, he prepared himself spiritually. On 21 March 1973 at 5:10 p.m., he peacefully surrendered his soul to God, with the names of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph on his lips.
Thousands gathered to pay homage. His funeral was a profound testimony to the impact of his life.
Legacy
Fr. Louis Leveil was truly God’s gift from France to India. His tomb at Sarugani remains a place of pilgrimage. His life of simplicity, prayer, and charity continues to inspire countless faithful.
He lives on in the hearts of the people, remembered as a holy missionary and a man of God.
PRAYER FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF THE SERVANT OF GOD LOUIS MARIE LÈVEIL
Heavenly Father! We praise and thank you for having chosen Father Louis Marie Lèveil as your faithful instrument. He left his native land, following your call and trusting in your loving mercy, preached the good news in our soil.
With indomitable conviction of “knowing the one in whom I have put my trust”, he intimately loved Jesus, led a holy and austere life, laboured as herald of mercy among the poor and has been an efficacious intercessor. We implore you, if it is your divine will, that he may be raised to the honours of the altar.
We beseech you to grant this to us by heeding to his intercession, the special favour(s), which we ask of you confidently……………………..(Submit your petitions in silence) through Jesus Christ Our Lord and King of Love. Amen.
இறை ஊழியர் லூயி மரி லெவே அருளாளர் நிலைக்கு உயர்த்தப்பெற மன்றாட்டு
அன்புத் தந்தையே இறைவா உமது அன்புள்ள இரக்கத்தை நம்பி பிறந்த மண்ணைத் துறந்து சிவகங்கை மறைமாவட்டத்தில் நற்செய்தி அறிவிக்க தந்தை லூயி மரி லெவே அவர்களை/ உமது எளிய கருவியாகத் தேர்ந்தெடுத்ததற்காக உம்மைப் போற்றிப் புகழ்ந்து உமக்கு நன்றி கூறுகிறோம்.
“நான் யாரிடம் நம்பிக்கை கொண்டுள்ளேன் என அறிவேன்” என்ற உறுதிப்பாட்டோடு ஆண்டவர் இயேசுவை அன்புசெய்து தம் தூய வாழ்வாலும் கடின உழைப்பாலும்ஃ ஏழை எளியோர் நடுவில இறைவனின் தூதுவராய்ப் பணியாற்றி ஆற்றல்மிகு பரிந்துரையாளராய் விளங்கிய இறை ஊழியர் லூயி மரி லெவே அடிகளாரை அருளாளர் நிலைக்கு உயர்த்த அருள்புரியும். அவரின் மன்றாட்டுக்குக் கனிவுடன் செவிசாய்த்து நாங்;கள் நம்பிக்கையோடு உம்மிடம் கேட்கும் விண்ணப்பங்களை ……………(விண்ணப்பங்களை அமைதியில் சமர்ப்பிக்கவும்) எங்களுக்குத் தந்தருள எங்கள் ஆண்டவரும் அன்பின் அரசருமான இயேசு கிறிஸ்து வழியாக உம்மை மன்றாடுகிறோம் ஆமென்.
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