ALLEMAND, JEAN-JOSEPH. - Apostle of youth, initiator in France of the oratories (patronages), b. at Marseille on 27 Dec. 1772, d. there on 10 Apr. 1836. A cleric during the Revolution, he assisted and aided in their ministry priests who were persecuted everywhere. Ordained priest in 1798, his first aim, in that period of relative peace, was to devote himself entirely to the religious revival of youth by establishing and promoting Sunday and feast-day gatherings, evening meetings, conferences, and recreational centres. In May 1799 he founded « l'œuvre de la jeunesse » with a nucleus of selected young people united in a pious association; by 1820 as many as 400 zealous followers enthusiastically followed him. In spiritual direction he inculcated the necessity of obedience, humility, prayer, and mortification. A.’s work was continued by Abbé Timon-David.
ALLEMAND, JEAN-JOSEPH
BIBL.: Biographies: F. Brunello, Vie du serviteur de Dieu J. J. A., Paris 1852; J. P. L. Gaduet, Le directeur de la jeunesse ou la vie et l'esprit du serv. de Dieu J. J. A., Paris-Litme 1867; L. Désers, Un initiateur des oeuvres de jeunesse au début du XIXe siècle, l'abbé A., in Revue du Clerc Iranent, 68 (1911), pp. 697-707; F. Gibon, s. V. in DHG, II, col. 594 ff. Romualdo Souarn
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“ALLEMAND, JEAN-JOSEPH.” Enciclopedia Cattolica, vol. I (1948), p. 549. Azione Romana digital edition, https://azioneromana.com/article/allemand-jean-joseph.