BERTHIER, JEAN-BAPTISTE. – Missionary of N. S. de « La Salette », founder of Missionaries of the Holy Family (v.), born at Châtonnay (Isère) on 24 February 1840, died at Grave (North Brabant) on 16 October 1908. He promoted apostolic schools for poor aspirants and fostered late vocations; he was a preacher and for a long time superior of the Institute. He wrote extensively, for every kind of reader; several of his books enjoyed great and well-deserved success. In 1904 he founded the Messager de la Ste Famille, published in several languages.
BIBL.: J. M. De Lombaerde, La Vie et l'Esprit du très rev. p. B., Grave 1910; P.-J. Ramers, Le p. J-B.B., miss. de la Salette, Friburgo 1925; id., s. V. in DSp. I, coll. 1530-32. Mario Colpo