BOURRET, ERNEST. - French historian and apologist, b. at Lubro (Ardèche) in 1827, d. at Rodez on 10 July 1896. He studied theology in Paris, but because of the revolution of 1848 he had to interrupt his studies, and he graduated only in 1857. In 1858 he also obtained a degree in Letters, and in 1863, after having held the appointment for two years, he became the holder of the chair of Ecclesiastical Law at the Sorbonne. In 1869 he took part in the Vatican Council as theologian of the bishop of Périgueux. Appointed bishop of Rodez in 1871, he lived in that city until his death, even though, having been created cardinal in 1893, he desired another, more important see.
Of vast erudition and fruitful activity, B.'s work unfolded in three directions: pastoral, political, and literary. As a pastor he is to be remembered for the entirely new approach he gave to diocesan life, calling several religious Orders into the diocese, encouraging the recruitment and education of ecclesiastical vocations, and building many churches, schools, and charitable works. The more than 380 Mandements, or ordinances, published during his episcopate are also an indication of B.'s pastoral activity. In politics B. was a practical advocate of the rapprochement between Church and State in France. He gave proof of this attitude both by maintaining cordial relations of friendship with some of the most representative men of the Republic, and by refraining in 1891 from joining the action of Msgr. Gouthe-Soulard against the government, and by dissuading, in 1895, the agitation for the protection of particular rights of the religious Congregations. He was therefore accused of being a bishop sold to the government.
Of B.'s vast literary output, many works are still unpublished; the following deserve particular mention: L'Ecole chrétienne de Séville sous la monarchie des Visigoths (Paris 1855); Origine du pouvoir civil d'après St Thomas et Suarez (ibid. 1857); Essai historique et critique sur les sermons français de Gerson (ibid. 1858); Réponse aux principales attaques contre l'Eglise (1873); Du respect qui est du à la religion, à ses ministres et à ses institutions (1880).
Bibliography4 works
Francesco Carpino