Our Founder: Fr. Adrien Bresy
Born in the historic town of Mons, Belgium, on January 29, 1649, Fr. Adrien Bresy was the son of Augustine Bresy and Louise Berthault, whose deep devotion provided the foundation for his lifelong faith. He was baptized just two days later at the Parish Church of St. Germain, receiving his Christian name in the presence of his godparents—Adrien Lecrec, a respected lawyer, and Anna Deprez, a woman noted for her virtue. A scholar of high standing, he earned his Bachelor of Theology from the University of Louvain in 1677, a distinction that garnered him great respect. Following his ordination and service as a chaplain at Dottignies, he was appointed Parish Priest of Wez on September 26, 1674, where he would serve for over 25 years as a true “Good Shepherd” and a model of Christian leadership.
Driven by a spirituality that was both deeply contemplative and tirelessly active, Fr. Adrien was a mystic who did not retreat from the world but looked beyond appearances to address the tangible suffering around him. The historian Hoverlant notes that it was this vigilant pastor who founded the convent at Wez, moved by a profound compassion for widows, orphans, and the oppressed. Fr. Adrien was uniquely sensitive to the plight of women and the marginalized, dedicating his life to being a sanctuary for the weak, the lonely, and the poor. By integrating his academic brilliance with a heart for the suffering, he established a legacy of service that continues to define the mission of the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo today.
THE
TOMBSTONE OF
"FR. ADRIEN BRESY" IS LAID IN THE REAR WALL OF THIS CHURCH