GAY, CHARLES-LOUIS. - Ascetical theologian, b. in Paris on 19 Oct. 1815, into a bourgeois family indifferent to religious matters, d. there on 18 Jan. 1892.
He studied at the Royal College of St-Louis and became a Volterian during his philosophy course. After a year of law studies, he attended the Conservatory of Music and formed a friendship with C. Gounod. Reading Sainte-Beuve’s novel *Volupté* drew him to God. Voltaire’s hatred of Christ revolted him. Upon hearing the *Lacordaire* at Notre Dame in Paris, he began his conversion, which was completed by his sister’s governess in 1863. Aspiring to the priesthood, he left for Rome in 1877 and, upon returning to Saint-Sulpice, was ordained to the altar in 1845. He first lived with Mons. de Ségur, then, advised by the Cure d’Ars, followed Mons. Pie, Bishop of Poitiers, as his vicar general. He frequently gave the *Exercises* to religious communities, especially the Carmelites, earning the title “the man of Carmel.” In 1867, he came to Rome as theologian of the Vatican Council and obtained from St. Francis de Sales the title of Doctor of the Church. Returning to Poitiers, he became in 1877 auxiliary to Cardinal Pie, with the title of Bishop of Anthedon, and upon the latter’s death was obliged to return to Paris, where he dedicated himself particularly to the apostolate among Catholic workers’ associations.
The fruit of his preaching were the following books, published in Paris: *De la vie et des vertus chrétiennes considérées dans l'état religieux* (1874); *Conférences aux mères chrétiennes* (1877); *Élévations sur la vie et la doctrine de N.S.J.C.* (1879); *Vie de la r. m. Thérèse de Jésus* (Xavérien de Maistre; 1882); *Entretiens sur les mystères du Rosaire* (1887); *Instructions en forme de retraite* (1890); posthumous: *Instructions pour les personnes du monde* (1912); *Sermons de Carême*, with a preface by Mons. d’Hulst (1894); *Sermons d’Avent* (1895); *Correspondance* (in vols., 1899); *Lettres de direction spirituelle* (4 vols., 1902–1908); *Nouveaux sermons* (1914).
In his writings he demonstrates an artistic sense, emphasizing the harmony and beauty of the Christian mystery. Following in the footsteps of Scotus and St. Francis de Sales, he proposes an ascetical doctrine rich in dogma. A genuine disciple of de Bérulle and Thomassin, G. belongs to the French school of the Oratory.